Sourcing & Production Associate, Denim

Job Description

THE PURPOSE: Manage the Denim product development cycle from inception of Sketch to production-ready garments across our global denim vendor base. Oversee upstream development inputs, ie, Tech packs, patterns, and wash standards are complete and on time to meet larger GTM market calendar deadlines and dates. Focus on developing products with the Design and Merchandising teams within cost parameters. Additionally, create and distribute WIP reports, keeping all relevant stakeholders informed of changes and deliverables. Communicate and collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to a positive and productive culture.

THE ROLE (what you are accountable for)

• Manage product development life cycle from SMS to production-ready garments for both Men’s and Women’s Denim collection to meet GTM calendar deadlines for seasonal styles and Chase special programs.
• Create and manage WIP report for development tracking and Proto garment delivery i.e. Pattern, sew-by, tech pack, graphic artwork sheets, wash standards are ready for first proto delivery. Provide status reports to the direct manager keep and all relevant parties of deliverables.
• Drive the daily development process through communication with the global vendor base throughout the product’s life cycle. Actively highlight development issues and propose resolutions to meet deadlines and make the product Production-friendly
• Partner with the Design team for product development approvals, i.e. trim approvals, artwork approvals etc. Communicating approvals to vendors in a timely manner
• Initial Costing and partner with internal teams to engineer products within cost parameters
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure upstream inputs align with vendor communication and GTM deadline dates
• Track internal development milestones to meet larger GTM calendar and SMS deadline dates.
• Attend fittings when necessary.
• Own seasonal Production validation meetings.
• Utilize pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and XLOOKUP in Excel to track and update WIP from vendor data.
• Proficiently manage and update master Work-in-Progress (WIP) in Excel, ensuring data accuracy.
• Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams to create and update internal due dates and external dates with vendors, ensuring smooth workflows.
• Review and resolve quality issues with cross-functional teams, working toward efficient solutions and closing the loop on open issues.
• Monitor garment production timelines and proactively manage any risks to ensure on-time factory exits.
• Weekly calls with vendors to discuss issues, risks, and TNA

YOU ARE

• Multi-tasker. Able to juggle multiple seasons and tasks on every given day. Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
• Attentive to detail and take pride in the quality of your work.
• Understanding of priorities and managing your own time well.
• Clock hawk, mindful of deadlines, keeps things moving and drives items to closure on time.
• Part maven, part detective, you know how to uncover the intricacies behind the latest fabric, wash, and trim
• Systems Savvy – able to learn and use apparel software systems and other systems.
• Team player. Work well not only alone, but also with others.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

• High school and fashion-related or Bachelor of Science/ Arts degree.
• Minimum 4-5 years of fashion/ apparel industry experience.
• Strong organizational / project management skills along with excellent oral and written communication ability.
• Adept with data management with a Product Development system, preferably Full Circle.
• Proficient in MS Excel, Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Record of accomplishment within a fast-­‐paced, deadline-driven environment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, data analysis).
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and vendors to manage timelines and resolve operational issues.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Familiarity with supply chain and garment production processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot and identify delays in production and shipments effectively.
• Experience in tracking and managing WIP, quality control issues, and vendor performance.
• Experience with Denim washes/laundries.