Overview
Director of Production - Apparel role for Madewell. Lead production excellence across women's wovens, leather, and soft dressing categories. Drive strategic sourcing, vendor partnerships, and operational excellence while championing quality, innovation, and sustainability. Oversee global production operations, mentor teams, and ensure cost management and product development across key apparel categories.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a global production team across Ready to Wear, Soft Dressing, and Leather categories to ensure strategic alignment and operational excellence
- Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, Quality, and technical teams to develop and execute category-specific sourcing strategies aligned with brand objectives
- Manage comprehensive cost negotiations and margin optimization to ensure competitive pricing and supplier efficiency across global markets; provide innovative solutions for production challenges by implementing process improvements and system adherence across development workflows
- Maintain compliance with quality standards by partnering with vendors and manufacturers to drive innovation and sustainable practices
- Coordinate end-to-end production lifecycle management, ensuring timelines align with business objectives and go-to-market strategies
- Guide allocation decisions, development processes, and production timelines as the company's product development and production expert
QualificationsRequired:
- 12+ years of experience in apparel product development and production with focus on Ready to Wear, Soft Dressing, and Leather categories
- Expertise in materials, construction, vendor negotiations, and global supply chain management
- Proficiency in PLM systems, Excel, and data-driven decision-making processes
- Strong leadership abilities with proven track record of developing high-performing teams
- Demonstrated success managing international vendor relationships, particularly in Asia and Europe
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Business, Supply Chain, or related field
- Experience in sustainable sourcing, ethical production practices, and luxury/contemporary market positioning
We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity and share our desire to make an impact.
Benefits & Perks
- Health & Well-being – Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance, family planning support, fitness discounts, medical travel, and more
- Associate Discount – Great associate discount across all our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell)
- Community Impact – Support for communities through philanthropic efforts and the J. Crew Cares Program
- Winter Break – Winter break at the end of December for eligible full-time associates at the Home Office
Salary Range: Salary ranges are determined based on location and experience, with total rewards including bonuses and benefits.
We are committed to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability and provide equal opportunity to all applicants regardless of background. We welcome you to apply and bring your unique experiences to our teams.
Seniority level
Employment type
Job function
- Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
- Industries: Retail Apparel and Fashion
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