Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

• Represent the business unit(s) for the assigned suppliers and oversee that key milestones of the product creation process are met between creation centres (CC) and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the suppliers meet all key milestones and KPIs of the physical and virtual product creation process on time and with quality for defined categories.
• Key involvement in the escalation of issues which cannot be resolved by CC and the supplier.
• Understand and implement all transfer policies ensuring product integrity (quality, aesthetics, cost) is maintained at all phases of the process with minimal or no delay in production timing.
• Ensure product whether Physical proto or Virtual proto is developed and engineered with focus on productivity and manufacturing efficiency without compromising product quality.
• Ensure Virtual proto’s created by the suppliers are a true representative of designers intent, and that Physical production is aligned with Virtual approved proto.
• Continuously build up category specific capabilities within the internal and supplier teams and be the spokesperson for the category in the supplier group/OC.
• Work with manufacturers and suppliers in continuous upgrades of technical applications and processes including the development and implementation of new technologies.
• Drive effective teamwork by actively coaching and supporting internal and supplier team members to develop their skills and capabilities.

Key relationships:

• Suppliers
• Brand Operations
• Costing
• Planning
• Material
• Transport & Logistics

Knowledge, skills and abilities: (to be derived from skills assessment)

• Management experience, including leading , developing and motivating people and building effective teams
• Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing
• Basic 3D knowledge and skills on virtual sample creation & engineering
• Good understanding of costing principles
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Fluent in English, written and verbal

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Four year college or university degree
• At least 5 years of related work experience in the apparel industry in a technical capacity with managerial experience