Mary Wyatt is a growing womenswear brand with a focus on lifestyle-led fashion and alternative culture. We're seeking a highly organised, reliable Production Manager & Product Developer to join our team and lead the production process from concept to bulk.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management:

• Oversee the implementation and management of the Critical Path, ensuring all production deadlines and milestones are met.
• Work closely with the Head of Department to manage the production and product development process from initial concept through to bulk manufacturing for all products, including long lead-time products, quick reaction items, and restocks/re-buys.
• Monitor and report on website inventory levels, identifying low, sold-out, slow, or best-selling products, and communicate this with senior management.
• Plan and manage restocks and re-buys with internal team and factories, ensuring timely deliveries and maintaining consistency in product quality.
• Develop strategies for replenishing stock based on sales trends and collaborate with suppliers to align on production schedules.
• Act as the main point of contact for all communication with factories and suppliers, both locally and internationally, maintaining a consistent flow of updates on all active projects.
• Ensure all packing and delivery requirements are clearly communicated to factories and strictly adhered to, in line with warehouse requirements.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers/factories, ensuring all costs are within budget while maintaining quality standards. 
• Raise and submit POs, job-sheets, and review invoices to ensure accurate quantities, costs, and payments are logged.

Product Development:

• Collaborate with designers on range planning, ensuring any gaps in collections are identified and addressed.
• Actively source new factories for current and new product categories and assess suppliers for quality, reliability, and sustainability.
• Request, manage, and track all samples, ensuring timely delivery, accurate labelling, and appropriate storage.
• Attend sample fittings to provide constructive feedback and troubleshooting solutions for garment fit, construction, and fabric issues.
• Approve or reject all pre-shipment samples for new products and rebuys, addressing any discrepancies with factories.
• Distribute tech packs, development files, and print/embroidery specifications to suppliers, ensuring all documentation is clear and accurate.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure feedback documents are executed accurately and within the required timeframes.
• Source and suggest options for fabrics and trims, to create the perfect garment.
• Offer budget-conscious solutions for better garment construction.
• Checking and approving grading charts, alongside the Design team.

Supply Chain & Sustainability:

• Manage the logistics of moving goods through the supply chain, including selecting transportation modes, managing freight collections and deliveries, and ensuring goods are delivered on time and expected quantities.
• Work closely with our 3PL warehouse to coordinate shipments, ensuring correct labelling, packaging, and barcoding are followed by suppliers/factories according to specifications.
• Oversee the sourcing and use of affordable, sustainable materials, fabrics, and packaging, researching new sustainable practices for materials, processes, and delivery methods.
• Request sustainability certifications, audits, and ethical practices from suppliers/factories and ensure suppliers adhere to in production.

Other:

• Delegate tasks and priorities to the assistants, ensuring that all team members are clear on their responsibilities and timelines.
• Manage the department budget, assisting in financial planning, and attending monthly financial production meetings with senior management and finance manager.
• Oversee the completion, return, and filing of NDAs and contracts for all suppliers/factories, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Maintain accurate records for all POs, invoices, and other production-related documents, ensuring organisation within internal systems and procedures.
• Provide general administrative support to Senior Management as needed.
   

Requirements:

• At least 5 years of experience in womenswear fashion production and product development.
• Expert womenswear product development and production knowledge
• Strong experience working with international factories and managing relationships across different regions.
• Ability to identify and resolve production issues.
• Experience in budget management, price negotiation, and working with suppliers of a similar price point and quality.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to liaise effectively with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other project management tools.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Able to thrive under pressure, handle tight deadlines, and prioritise work effectively.
• Strong attention to detail with a solutions-driven approach.
• A confident delegator who can manage and motivate a team while maintaining clear communication.
• A team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work cross-functionally within a small team.

Beneficial:

• Experience working with UK-based factories.
• Basic knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Educated to degree level in a relevant womenswear fashion subject.
• An understanding of womenswear pattern grading
• An interest in sustainability, with knowledge of eco-friendly practices in production and packaging.
• Experience working in a small company.

Application:

Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter detailing why you're the right person for the job.

Please note: this is not a design role, so please do not send any design portfolios.