Sr Sourcing & Production Manager na La Jolla Group

Company Introduction

The La Jolla Group is a worldwide leader in the action sports apparel business segment with a fast paced, high-energy environment that is continually on the move. With prominent brands such as O’Neill, PSD Underwear, Mountain Khakis, Sol Angeles, and Hang Ten, La Jolla Group has proved to be a builder of great brands, a creator of innovative products, and a master of operational excellence.

Our team enjoys flexibility with a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote work. We offer awesome discounts on our clothing brands, early release Fridays (2:00pm), occasional employer provided lunches, year-round fun events as well as a full benefits package!  We believe our employees are our strongest asset and invest in their growth by focusing on developing their strengths.

General Summary

Develop and oversee production lifecycle from time of development handover to shipment of product.  Ensure on time delivery of quality product while exceeding margin goals and maintaining product integrity. Possess the ability to align and implement company initiatives and positively influence/evolve overall department processes and efficiencies. Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams and external suppliers to achieve organizational goals.

Essential Job Functions

• Effectively plan and manage multiple seasons and projects from design handover through development, costing, and commercialization.
• Take lead on new sourcing initiatives and strategically allocate available resources to attain objectives.
• Participate in sourcing decisions based on volume, technique, fabrication and cost.
• Maintain thorough understanding and ensure vendor compliance of all customer VAS, testing, and other related requirements.
• Track and review all incoming development/samples and provide timely comments to ensure product accuracy and integrity.  Confirm updates are made in PLM to reflect any changes/comments made. 
• Negotiate with vendors to improve and exceed margin targets. Be able to suggest alternatives or think outside the box when relevant.
• Handle all daily communication with overseas vendors for assigned categories.  Some overseas factory travel may be required.
• Work closely with technical team to maintain brand fit standards and attend all fittings.
• Partner with design team in proto review/meeting sample meetings to ensure accurate and detailed presentation to sales team and management.
• Establish relationships with both internal and external counterparts to facilitate smooth operations and efficient meetings/handovers. 
• Create and issue all Production PO’s in Full Circle & ensure production PO’s are received, closed, or updated as required
• Manage vendor payment process including, but not limited, to invoice submission review, timely receipt of proforma invoices, debit memo issuance, and any invoice discrepancies. Ensure timely processing from all team members.
• Work closely with vendors to prioritize needs and obtain weekly WIP/Time and Action reports to ensure timely delivery of all submits and production orders.  
• Oversee, manage, and mentor staff.  Proper delegation of work duties and employee development to maximize employee strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
• Understand and enforce elevated quality standards to consistently provide premium product.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the product life cycle including development and production timelines. 
• Proficient in specification review and product costing.
• Excellent understanding of technical and construction detail sketches & related art.
• Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to accuracy and detail. 
• Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately to ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Ability to wear many hats and juggle multiple projects at one time.
• Must be able to work effectively across multiple functions with business colleagues domestically and internationally.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree – Design or Merchandising or equivalent experience/training.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Product Development and Production
• Intermediate computer skills with emphasis on MS Office software, Adobe Acrobat. Knowledge in Illustrator is a plus.
• Full Circle knowledge a plus
• PLM software experience also a plus

Physical Requirements

Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to stoop or kneel to pick up products.
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.

The company provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification. Equal employment opportunity includes, but is not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, leaves of absence, and termination. The company takes allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation seriously and will promptly investigate when such behavior is reported.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Also, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-CR1