Job description

Summary/Objective:

The Manager of Apparel Production is an innovator and collaborator who will continue to evolve our sourcing capabilities and process to support company expansion. This role will leverage relationships and experience to collaborate effectively with the team internally and with our vendors to ensure timely development and quality production. This collaborative manager will work cross-functionally to drive the development of beautiful quality products, maintain or improve the quality and fit and improve costing/margins of the Misha & Puff product line. This position will maintain close alignment with the Design and Development team and Operations, working closely together on development goals and timely production. Overall, this position will manage production in a fast and responsive environment to anticipate business needs as the company continues to grow and transition.

Essential Functions:

• Create/maintain a strong vendor base that will increase production capacity, expand current category production and improve margins. We have a strong base of vendors in Peru and are expanding to other geographies while maintaining M&P product quality and sustainability goals.
• Enhance margins and reduce lead times in alignment with Misha & Puff values and company goals.
• Onboard new vendors globally.
• Establish effective working relationships with all key departments.
• Lead, establish and align process and calendar to ensure that brand goals are met (i.e., vendor and factory base, fit and construction, quality, costing, raw materials and embellishments, on time delivery, etc.)
• Material ownership. Work with the team and vendors on projections to ensure materials are available and ready to use for samples, production and reorders within calendar timelines.
• Development. Collaborate with design to source materials, trims, yarns, etc. Work closely with tech design to ensure development and production are in line with expectations.
• Production. Manage vendor WIPs. Ensure on time delivery and quality production.
• Use expertise in Product Development and established tools and standards for seasonal vendor allocation.
• Attend fittings to ensure the products are on spec and developed per expectations

Costing

• Analyze costing breakdowns by product category to achieve and maintain margin goals by category; collaborate regularly with key stakeholders to ensure margin goals and strategies are consistently executed.
• Own the entire costing process and negotiations for manufacturing partners and mills.
• Manage the PO process

Travel: Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for short periods, both internationally and domestic. Anticipate two trips per year to visit vendor/factories with additional travel to resolve issues, as needed. Must hold a valid Passport.

Location:Boston, MA

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required, Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in development and production within Apparel and Accessories. Strong preference to knitwear and luxury brands with South America, European, India sourcing experience.
• Deep understanding of and experience with global trade in textiles and apparel Sourcing processes.
• Experience traveling and working directly with vendors overseas.
• Multi-cultural international business experience.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Solid technical knowledge of raw material manufacturing, garment manufacturing and total garment cost.
• Solid understanding of fit and design modifications that affect cost.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the apparel retail industry.
• In-depth knowledge of logistical operations.

About Misha & Puff:

Misha and Puff was founded in 2011 by Anna Wallack after her baby son spent his first New England winter keeping warm and cozy while swaddled head-to-toe in knits she had made. Drawing on years of experience as a stylist and a deep understanding of what works well for little ones, we have created a luxury collection for children and infants.

We believe in making beautiful, functional pieces to last forever. Each and every Misha & Puff piece is lovingly hand knit in Peru by our talented team of women knitters and artisans. We work with the best natural fibers, sourced from the finest materials that use low impact, sustainable and ethical processes.

Our business is growing. We have a strong, engaged audience and have evolved to be a wholesaler in addition to an eCommerce business. Misha & Puff has growing distribution in the United States, Europe and Asia. Cultivating a culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement, we value fun, simplicity, and teamwork. We are data-driven, brand focused and are inspired by great design.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Peabody, MA 01960: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Peabody, MA 01960

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