Free People Production Manager Swim and Accessories

Free People is looking for a Production Manager for Swim and Accessories. The Production Manager is responsible for the business and operational execution of Design’s vision in alignment with the sourcing strategy and business requirements outlined by the Brand. The Production Manager can  lead cross-functionally, effect change, and set team goals within their core function.

• Manage production WIP, including TOP, PO, and vendor management, fabric and cut schedules, bulk shade approvals, lead time and end of month analysis and reporting, and quality issues.
• Review/Maintain and analyze all factory & brand reports highlighting areas for improvements both internally & externally.
• Maintain and manage pre-production time and action (T&A) for outstanding development, including pre-classification, sample orders, management of sample and liability invoices, fit, color, and trim approval, and label management.
• Manage order placement process ensuring best possible deliveries are met and provide target place dates as required to merchant team.
• Manage QA & TOP process with vendors, DC and merchants and make recommendations as needed
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors to drive successful, ongoing partnerships. Support merchant’s needs by aligning sourcing base with pre-production and production WIP calendars to ensure transparent communication throughout.
• Negotiate final costing with vendors, and manage final IMU analysis, with the goal of meeting and exceeding category targets, in line with business requirements provided by the Brand.
• Manage team members and effectively delegate amongst total team. Train and mentor other members of the sourcing team.
• Solves problems for teams and coaches others effectively to support KPI's and strategies set for area.
• Own and strategize piece goods positioning and liabilities.
• Sets foundational alignment cross functionally to effectively and efficiently reach goals.
• Works cross-functionally with peers to contribute to strategy and execute on projects. Regularly incorporates feedback from stakeholders as appropriate.

• 8+ years of production experience within a complex, fast paced apparel environment. Specialty retail and/or direct to consumer experience is preferred.
• Proven success in a leadership role managing and developing teams, supporting direct report professional growth, building cross-functional relations, and effectively communicating with internal and external customers.
• Strong knowledge base in garment construction, wash techniques, and manufacturing.
• Ability to anticipate category business needs, and develop creative, long-term solutions.
• Knowledge of process improvement, and proven capability of identifying and implementing operational efficiencies.
• Proficiency in high level data analytics and Microsoft Systems.
• Works with a high sense of urgency and integrity, easily and quickly adapts to chance, and is motivated by deadlines and new challenges.
• Makes independent decisions about own work. Manages stakeholders independently. Is self-sufficient and uses established resources to enable better results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

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URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.