VP of Apparel Sourcing and Supply Chain

About the Company - Our client is seeking an experienced Sourcing and Supply Chain with experience in fashion Great opportunity to help navigate the complex waters of production, sourcing, sustainability, tariffs, and design to maximize profitability by evaluating current apparel manufacturers globally and make appropriate data driven decisions. Seeking a strong leader, an upbeat/supportive personality and a hands on approach to helping teams understand their roles and support them in their execution. Salary approximately in the $190 -$225k role plus bonus and comprehensive benefits. This position requires someone who lives in the Greater Boston (southwest of Boston proper) area or who is willing to relocate to the area with some company support.

About the Role - The Vice President of Supply Chain will lead and oversee the Design, Development, Technical Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing Teams and Sustainability initiatives. This strategic role is responsible for ensuring the continued growth and success of our brand by maintaining a reputation for high-quality, excellence, and innovation in all target markets. The VP will be instrumental in driving global supply chain management, product development, and building high-performing teams that collaborate cross-functionally to meet company objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all Supply Chain functions, including Design, Development, Technical Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing Teams.
• Ensure the implementation of global supply chain strategies that align with company goals and values, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and production, to ensure alignment of goals and execution of strategic initiatives.
• Oversee product development from concept to completion, ensuring all products meet the company’s quality standards and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring adherence to ethical sourcing standards and sustainability practices.
• Identify, implement, and manage sustainable sourcing strategies across supply chain, ensuring alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
• Drive transparency within the supply chain by utilizing traceability tools and technologies, ensuring all suppliers meet ethical and sustainability benchmarks.
• Develop and enforce supplier codes of conduct that promote fair working conditions, diversity, equity, and inclusion across global supply networks.
• Direct the manufacturing process, ensuring production runs smoothly and any issues are quickly addressed.
• Maintain all compliance with up-to-date import/export laws, federal and state mandates and procedures; tariffs and duties; licenses and restrictions. Communicate our expectations to the factories through the publication of a Vendor Manual that is continually up to date.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts in the Supply Chain department, identifying and implementing best practices for operations, cost management, and sustainability.
• Develop and manage the department budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet seasonal release deadlines and overall business objectives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Supply Chain team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure the company remains competitive and responsive to market demands.
• Report regularly to the Senior Leadership Team and collaborate with the COO/CFO to align supply chain strategies with overall company goals.

Sourcing Strategy

• Strategic thinking with the ability to execute at the operational level.
• Manage brand initiatives and goals.
• Create, manage and track the development of the company’s products.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors to ensure successful business partnerships.
• Analyze industry trends to proactively identify supply base issues to reduce cost, minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and exploit emerging opportunities that benefit the company.
• Manage all documentation for cost-effective and lawful execution of all import activities.
• Review factories and negotiate with vendors that meet our quality standards and cost matrix. Monitor the costs in different countries, stay up to date on all relevant import tariffs and duties that may affect costs. Analyze competitor pricing and understand which items' costing needs to be prioritized.
• Manage QC/QA and ensure color, stitching, fabrics, and sizing are appropriate. Managing external inspection agencies and internal staff checking quality of production meets our expectations. Reduce returns due to poor quality and charge backs to the factories.
• Investigate and test sources. When necessary, travel overseas and attend the appropriate trade shows.
• Manage the design department. Assist in the process of identifying product opportunities — holes in the line, “blue ocean” opportunities, and analyze competitor weaknesses. Make sure that the designer is on-trend.
• Create manuals for our factories to follow, including FLA guidelines and government regulations. Communicate expectations with factories and oversee their compliance.
• Travel to Asia and other global locations, as required, doing on-site inspection to maintain the company’s FLA standards.

Team Development/Management

• Ability to inspire and lead teams while maintaining a focus on results and quality.
• Assess and develop Team. Build the appropriate team to ensure effective day-to-day management of each aspect of the department.
• Coach Team to generate creative solutions and collaboration across the organization.
• Lead change, and coach team to respond to a rapidly changing business environment.

Critical Factors for Success

• Significant leadership experience managing a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Significant apparel production understanding and experience in all parts of the world.
• Experience in the design and development of apparel and cost engineering.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to align supply chain initiatives with the company's broader strategic goals.
• Experience traveling overseas to evaluate vendors and to determine areas of improvement.
• Supervise Team members responsibilities to ensure accomplishment of department goals and deadlines.
• Promote the development of team through supervision and training.
• Proactively approach problem solving and be flexible with regards to new ideas and technologies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Implement operational efficiencies.
• Adapt quickly to changes and have a high sense of urgency.
• Have a passion for apparel, design, and the associated industry and market trends.
• Influence and motivate others—coach and develop, foster teamwork, address difficult issues, provide clear direction, and champion change.
• Excellent communication skills.

Travel - 20-30% travel per year to manufacturing locations, shows, and meetings with members of the Sales department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in supply