Vice President of Production

Overview:

The Vice President of Production is responsible for leading the end-to-end product creation and production lifecycle across all product categories, including Production, Product Development, and Technical Design. This role ensures timely delivery, quality standards, cost efficiency, and scalability, while partnering closely with Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing to bring collections to market and optimize vendor relationships and product execution globally.

Key Responsibilities Production, Product Development & Technical Leadership Own and lead global production strategy across all categories (RTW, accessories, footwear, etc.) Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialization, including Product Development and Technical Design Develop scalable processes to support business growth, operational efficiency, and product integrity Establish and manage seasonal calendars across product development, technical design, and production to ensure on-time delivery Product Development & Technical Design Oversight Lead Product Development and Technical Design teams to ensure accurate execution of design intent from concept through bulk production Oversee tech pack creation, fit development, grading, and construction standards across categories Ensure consistency in fit, quality, and construction through strong technical design processes and vendor communication Partner closely with Design to translate creative vision into commercially viable, production-ready product Vendor & Factory Management Build and maintain strong relationships with global factories and vendors Negotiate pricing, MOQs, and production timelines to optimize margin Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to support category expansion and diversification Costing & Margin Optimization Oversee product costing and margin targets in partnership with finance and merchandising Align PD and technical teams on cost engineering initiatives during development phase Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or design integrity Manage seasonal costing reviews and production budgets Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Design, Merchandising, and Planning to ensure alignment on assortment, timelines, and business goals Collaborate with Sourcing, Product Development, and Technical Design to ensure materials, fit, and construction meet brand standards Act as a key liaison across creative and operational teams to drive seamless execution Quality & Compliance Ensure all products meet brand quality standards and regulatory requirements Oversee fit approval, wear testing, and quality control processes from development through production Maintain compliance across international production regions Team Leadership Lead and develop a high-performing team across Production, Product Development, and Technical Design Build organizational structure to support growth and operational excellence Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team environment across creative and technical functions Global Production Oversight Manage production across key regions (e.g., China, Vietnam, India, Europe, Americas) Monitor geopolitical, tariff, and supply chain risks and adjust strategy accordingly Drive nearshoring or diversification strategies as needed Qualifications 10-15+ years of experience across production, product development, and/or technical design within fashion/apparel Proven leadership experience at Director or VP level overseeing cross-functional product creation teams Strong understanding of global manufacturing, supply chain, and vendor management Deep expertise in product development lifecycle, fit, construction, and technical execution Experience across multiple product categories (apparel, accessories, etc.) Strong knowledge of costing, margin management, and production calendars Experience working with ERP/PLM systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Centric, etc.) Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills Salary $170,000-$180,000