Senior Director, Production (Favorite Daughter)
Senior Director Of ProductionThe Senior Director of Production for Favorite Daughter leads the end-to-end production process, from vendor selection to final delivery. This role is responsible for placing and negotiating manufacturing orders, ensuring on-time deliveries, and driving profitability through cost engineering, vendor performance, and quality assurance. This leader works cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Sales, and overseas partners to bring commercially viable, high-quality, and brand-right apparel to market.Specific responsibilities would include:Partner with corporate resources to optimize global production and sourcing efficiencies across divisions.Conduct ongoing competitive and market research to identify innovations in fabric, construction, and production methods.Share relevant findings and trends with Design and Merchandising teams; maintain a centralized archive of materials, trims, and hardware.Evaluate and implement best practices in production technology and sourcing strategy for continuous improvement.Lead the development and maintenance of the approved vendor matrix, including evaluation of costing, capacity, and compliance.Negotiate product costs with vendors to ensure margin goals are met without compromising quality or delivery.Review and approve all final production buys; manage full lifecycle tracking from initial sampling through bulk delivery.Resolve vendor chargebacks, compliance issues, and customs classification in partnership with the Imports team.Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, and Sales to align on margin goals, ensure feasibility of product execution, and maintain development timelines.Oversee QA processes; define and enforce brand-aligned production and quality standards across factories and categories.Drive solutions to technical challenges related to fabrication, fit, construction, or production delays.Manage capacity planning, regional allocation, and performance tracking by sourcing office, country, and vendor.Partner with Planning and Sales to forecast demand and secure production capacity and raw materials accordingly.Serve as a key liaison between internal teams and external partners including factories, vendors, and global sourcing offices.Ensure proactive communication with Sales, Merchandising, and Operations to support fulfillment of seasonal demand and customer expectations.Represent the brand at global factory visits and industry trade shows to assess production capabilities and explore new sourcing opportunities.Lead cross-functional communication to manage production timelines, quality issues, and troubleshooting efforts.Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing production team; provide guidance, set expectations, and support professional development.Create succession plans and talent development strategies to ensure long-term team stability and skill growth.Monitor and evaluate team and individual performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture that supports operational excellence and innovation.Our best fit candidate would have:Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Apparel Production, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field810+ years of experience in apparel production and sourcing; strong background in women's contemporary apparel is highly preferredDeep knowledge of garment manufacturing including fabrications, construction, trims, and print techniquesStrong negotiation and vendor management skills, with experience overseeing global factory partnersProven ability to manage complex timelines, solve production issues, and deliver cost-effective solutionsExcellent organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skillsStrong understanding of global supply chain, customs, and compliance protocolsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environmentProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), Adobe Creative Suite, and CAD; Mac proficiency preferred