Senior Director of Apparel Production

The Senior Director of Production Operations oversees all aspects of apparel production, sourcing, procurement, and imports to ensure timely delivery, cost efficiency, and quality standards. This role manages the Manager of Production, Manager of Procurement, and Manager of Sourcing & Imports, driving cross-functional alignment between design, merchandising, finance, and logistics. The Senior Director will be responsible for ensuring that all orders are placed and fulfilled on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company standards and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

· Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and develop the Production, Procurement, and Sourcing & Imports teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to direct reports.
• Establish best practices and continuous improvement initiatives across the production lifecycle

• Oversee domestic and international apparel production processes to meet quality, compliance, and customer requirements.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure all timelines are met across multiple product categories.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production challenges to minimize delays and inefficiencies.

· Sourcing & Procurement

• Direct the sourcing and procurement strategies for fabrics, trims, and raw materials to ensure cost-effectiveness and supply chain reliability.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, pricing, and terms to optimize profitability while maintaining quality.
• Monitor supplier performance, ensuring compliance with ethical sourcing and sustainability standards.

· Imports & Logistics

• Oversee the import process, including compliance with customs, trade regulations, and shipping requirements.
• Partner with logistics teams to ensure timely delivery and minimize disruptions.

· Budget & Cost Control

• Develop and manage budgets for production and procurement functions.
• Track expenses against budget, identifying areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with finance to forecast and manage cost of goods sold (COGS).

· Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the central liaison between design, merchandising, sales, logistics, and finance teams.
• Ensure transparent communication across departments regarding timelines, product availability, and budget impacts.
• Support merchandising and design teams by providing accurate production status updates and feasibility assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Apparel Production, or related field (MBA or advanced degree a plus).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in apparel production, sourcing, and operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record managing domestic and international supply chains.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Expertise in apparel production calendars, costing, and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership with a hands-on, results-driven approach.
• Strong financial and budget management skills.
• Deep understanding of global apparel manufacturing and sourcing.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong interdepartmental relationships.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities, market demands, and production challenges.