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.