Director of Product Development and Global Sourcing

EMERGING BLUE; San Michele al Tagliamento; In loco; EUR 161.000 - 171.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A global apparel company is seeking a Director of Production & Global Sourcing in San Michele al Tagliamento, Italy. This role leads the product development process, ensuring high-quality products that align with business objectives. Key responsibilities include overseeing product lifecycle management, leading negotiations with vendors, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of relevant experience and strong leadership skills, with a salary range of $190k to $200k.

Competenze

• 8+ years of experience in global sourcing, product development, and apparel manufacturing.
• Proven success leading complex, multi-country sourcing operations and vendor strategies.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.

Mansioni

• Execute the brand’s long-term product development and global sourcing strategy.
• Oversee the complete product lifecycle from concept to bulk production.
• Lead cost-engineering initiatives and vendor negotiations.

Conoscenze

Global sourcing

Product development

Apparel manufacturing

Leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical skills

Strumenti

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems

Descrizione del lavoro

Job Description

Director, Production & Global Sourcing

About The Job

The Director of Product Development and Global Sourcing leads the end-to-end product development process—from first sample through final production—to deliver high-quality, commercially successful products that reflect the brand’s vision and values. This role combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration to drive margin improvement, product innovation, and supplier performance across global markets.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Execute the brand’s long-term product development and global sourcing strategy to align with business objectives and evolving market dynamics.
• Execute initiatives that strengthen capacity, innovation, vendor partnerships, expand regional capabilities, and drive sustainable growth across sourcing regions, including coordination with raw material strategy and execution.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Oversee the complete product lifecycle—from concept, design, and development through bulk production—ensuring seamless alignment across Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Planning, Agents, and Factories.
• Utilize PLM system to manage product data and costing, track milestones, and improve communication across global teams.
• Create and maintain product development and sourcing calendars to ensure alignment and accountability across all departments.

Cross-Functional & Team Leadership

• Partner with cross-functional peers across Design, Merchandising, Logistics to align product strategy, costing, timelines, and business priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a fun-loving and dedicated team of product development and sourcing professionals.

Margin & Supplier Optimization

• Lead cost-engineering initiatives and vendor negotiations to achieve margin and AUC targets.
• Balance quality, functionality, and commercial objectives to deliver best-in-class value across categories.
• Grow, manage, and evaluate a global vendor base to ensure agility, compliance, and competitiveness.
• Develop partnerships that drive value, reliability, innovation, and shared growth.
• Prepare and oversee seasonal cost and margin reports to support business planning.
• Monitor factory KPIs to track supply chain performance, quality, and delivery metrics, and present actionable insights to leadership.

Compliance & Quality Excellence

• Partner closely with Technical Design and Quality teams to ensure construction, materials, and fit standards meet or exceed brand expectations.
• Collaborate with Vendor Compliance and Testing teams to confirm all products meet regulatory, safety, and performance standards across markets.
• Drive resolution of production challenges while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in global sourcing, product development, and apparel manufacturing.
• Proven success leading complex, multi-country sourcing operations and vendor strategies.
• Experience in children’s wear is preferred.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Strong negotiator with deep understanding of cost drivers, vendor economics, and global trade dynamics.
• Technical knowledge of apparel construction, materials, and production processes.
• Proficiency in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and large data sets.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Organized, analytical, and results-driven with a strategic, growth-oriented mindset.

Salary Range $190-200k