Sr. Production Lead, Denim

The Senior Production Lead, Denim will oversee the full production lifecycle, from vendor selection and order placement through final delivery. This role is responsible for negotiating manufacturing orders, ensuring on-time deliveries, managing vendor performance, and supporting profitability through cost engineering, quality assurance, and operational excellence.

This leader will work cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Planning, Sales, and overseas partners to deliver commercially viable, high-quality, brand-right denim product.

• Review and approve final production buys while managing full lifecycle tracking from initial sampling through bulk delivery.
• Oversee production timelines, WIP tracking, and vendor follow-up to ensure on-time execution.
• Manage capacity planning, regional allocation, and vendor performance by country and factory.
• Partner with Planning and Sales to forecast demand, secure production capacity, and support raw material planning.
• Negotiate production costs, TNA and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and brand standards.
• Own key production KPIs, including on-time delivery, cost variance, quality rates, and inventory accuracy.
• Oversee QA processes and enforce brand-aligned production and quality standards across factories and categories.
• Drive solutions to technical challenges related to fabrication, fit, construction, trims, wash, or production delays.
• Identify bottlenecks early and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support alignment on seasonal calendars, launch readiness, and replenishment planning.
• Build and refine tools, systems, reports, and processes that improve visibility, efficiency, and accountability.
• Create and maintain weekly Excel reports, including line lists, inventory updates, WIP reports, and production status summaries.
• Communicate daily with Product Development regarding sample submissions, approvals, and outstanding issues.
• Attend weekly cross-functional meetings to discuss open items, risks, and pending decisions.
• Present production performance updates, operational risks, and recommended solutions to leadership.
• Lead initiatives that drive continuous improvement across the production function.
• Foster strong working relationships across internal teams and external vendor partners.
• Lead with ownership, accountability, urgency, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Provide general department support as needed.

• 10+ years of experience in apparel production and sourcing, with a strong background in denim production is a Must.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial experience, including managing direct reports.
• Deep knowledge of garment manufacturing, including fabrications, construction, trims, wash, finishing, and print techniques.
• Strong understanding of global supply chain, customs, compliance protocols, and duty classification.
• Proven experience managing global factory partners and negotiating with vendors.
• Strong grasp of unit economics, including BOMs, landed cost, COGS, margins, and cost levers.
• Ability to manage complex timelines, solve production issues, and deliver cost-effective solutions.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to lead a team and drive accountability across departments and vendors.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong systems thinking with the ability to create structure, improve processes, and enhance visibility.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make timely decisions under pressure.
• Proficiency in production systems, WIP tracking, Microsoft Office Suite, and advanced Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite, Full Circle, or similar platforms preferred.