Global Production Manager

Global Production Manager

Department: Product Design & Development

Reports to: Director of Product Design & Development

Location: Tempe, AZ (On-site) Full-time

Position Summary

This newly created role will serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and external manufacturing partners, ensuring on-time, on-quality, and compliant delivery of blank and finished goods while driving continuous improvement in production performance across core, seasonal, and custom SMU programs.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Execution & Timeline Management

• Own production timelines (T&A) across all product programs, aligning with merchandising strategies and launch schedules.

• Partner with Operations, Finance, Planning, and Product Development on finished goods and fabric projections.

• Partner with Operations team to review seasonal & special program buys and confirm PO readiness of the factory

• Communicate daily with vendors & overseas-based production liaison to obtain Time & Action updates, troubleshoot production issues, and flag delivery risks.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Own bulk fabric and trim approvals, PPS, TOPs, and quality checkpoints throughout the manufacturing process.

• Review QA and inspection reports (internal and external) and partner with Operations & Finance teams to manage chargebacks, fees, and RTVs (Returns to Vendor).

• Monitor bulk materials, construction, packaging, and labeling to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Program Execution

•Partner with internal teams and vendors to evaluate, define, and build out new program types from the ground up —translating existing frameworks into scalable production processes, timelines, and vendor capabilities.

• Take ownership of program structure and operational infrastructure as new offerings are developed, acting as the production lead from concept through execution.

• Partner with Operations to coordinate and manage production for Seasonal Book & Build programs, contributing to process development as these offerings continue to evolve.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Serve as the primary overseas production lead for internal teams and external partners and suppliers.

• Identify, evaluate, and secure reliable suppliers; assess vendor performance and drive continuous improvement.

• Manage factory social audits and compliance requirements (per our internal compliance standards and licensing partner requirements), including monitoring and resolution of CAPR issues.

• Partner with overseas vendors and the in-house Operations team to develop and maintain processes, systems, and vendor procedures across all program types.Reporting & Performance Tracking

• Track, analyze, & report vendor production KPIs, including calendar accuracy, T&A adherence, and inspection completion.

• Provide status updates via dashboards and cross-functional meetings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in production management, manufacturing operations, or supply chain — headwear, accessories, or soft goods strongly preferred.

• Experience working with licensed products and brand partners, including familiarity with licensor compliance requirements, approval workflows, and factory authorization processes.

• Strong understanding of headwear or garment manufacturing processes, quality standards, and vendor management.

• Experience managing T&A calendars and production timelines across multiple concurrent projects.

• Proficiency with PLM systems (WFX or equivalent), ERP systems (NetSuite or equivalent), and advanced Excel skills.

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships across time zones.

• Comfortable building process in fast-moving, evolving environments.

• Ability to work on-site in Tempe, AZ; occasional domestic and international travel may be required.