Purpose of the Role
As Production Manager at 16Arlington, you will oversee the end-to-end execution of the seasonal production cycle, ensuring timely delivery, exceptional quality, and adherence to margin targets. You will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, supplier collaboration, and continuous process improvement within a fast-paced luxury fashion environment.
Key Responsibilities
(Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs)
Production Planning & Execution
* Develop and lead the seasonal production schedule, ensuring timely ordering of raw materials and fabrics and sample approvals.
* Allocate production across factories to meet delivery timelines and margin goals.
* Raise and manage all supplier purchase orders (POs), ensuring capacity is secured in advance.
* Create seasonal CP’s to align dates cross functionally and maintain on-time deliveries.
* Monitor and report on key milestones across sampling, grading, QC, and logistics issuing delivery updates to stakeholders.
* Make bulk raw material bookings for fabric and trims maintaining delivery schedule for production.
Cost & Margin Management
* Negotiate raw material and manufacturing costs to optimize product margins.
* Track and manage all production-related spending, ensuring alignment with business signatories.
* Conduct end-of-season margin analysis and reconciliation, identifying opportunities for improvement.
Supplier & Vendor Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
* Ensure all sourcing agreements are in place prior to production commencement.
* Collaborate with suppliers to uphold quality standards and resolve any production issues.
Tech Packs, Sampling & Fittings
* In collaboration with the development and design teams, oversee the creation and accuracy of detailed tech packs
* Manage the launch and tracking of production samples, ensuring alignment with critical path timelines.
* Coordinate and lead fit sessions, including production handovers and PPS (Pre-Production Sample) fittings, ensuring all feedback is actioned and communicated effectively to suppliers.
* Ensure all sample approvals are completed in line with production deadlines and quality expectations.
Quality Control & Compliance
* Oversee quality control processes to ensure all products meet 16Arlington’s standards.
* Proactively manage and resolve quality issues and production delays.
* Stay abreast of the changing regulatory landscape in all selling regions, ensuring that product is updated as necessary to ensure its global compliance
Logistics and Stock Management
* Book and track all shipments of raw materials from material suppliers to UK, Europe and far east based factories.
* Manage finished goods deliveries from factory to UK based warehouse, monitor shipments and raise ASN’s.
* Allocate stock to Wholesale and Ecommerce SO’s communicating discrepancies with the warehouse and internally.
Team Leadership & Coordination
* Manage and mentor the Production Coordinator, providing clear direction, support, and development opportunities.
* Delegate tasks effectively while ensuring alignment with overall production goals and timelines.
* Foster a collaborative and proactive working environment, encouraging ownership and accountability within the team.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with Product Development, Technical, Sales, and Finance teams to align production with business objectives.
* Support cash flow planning and budget forecasting for seasonal and special projects.
* Communicate production risks and updates to senior management in a timely manner.
Experience & Skills Required
* 5+ years in production management within the luxury RTW (Ready-to-Wear) sector.
* Strong negotiation and communication skills with a track record of building effective supplier relationships.
* Deep understanding of garment construction, pattern cutting, grading, and some technical knowledge of fabrics
* Highly organized with a detail-oriented mindset and a commitment to delivering excellence.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Strong computer skills, including intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel and experience using Zedonk necessary
* Capable of making decisions independently.
* To have a positive, hands on and “can-do” attitude, with excellent interpersonal skills.
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