Director, Compliance - New York, 10019

Director, Compliance - New York, 10019, United States of America

How You’ll LEAD:

The Director, Compliance, will be an essential part of the UMG team, helping to create the framework for UMG’s Compliance Program across all apparel and accessories categories. Ensuring all products, vendors and operations meet global standards for social responsibility, product safety, labeling, environmental sustainability and corporate governance.

This role serves as the key link between Brand Management, Design, Sourcing, Production, and Legal teams to maintain ethical and regulatory integrity across the entire supply chain.

How You’ll CREATE:

Regulatory & Product Compliance

• Oversee all compliance activities related to product safety, testing, and labeling for global markets (U.S., EU, UK, Canada, etc.).
• Ensure adherence to applicable standards including CPSIA, REACH, Prop 65, and fiber labeling regulations.
• Develop and maintain a master compliance matrix for all apparel and accessories product categories.
• Approve and audit all care labels, fiber content claims, and country-of-origin declarations.

Factory & Vendor Compliance

• Manage global factory audits and vendor certifications related to social, environmental, and ethical compliance.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce the company’s Code of Conduct and Supplier Manual.
• Partner with sourcing to ensure all suppliers meet brand standards for labor, wages, and working conditions.
• Oversee remediation plans and ensure corrective actions are tracked to completion.

Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility

• Drive the implementation of sustainable practices aligned with brand goals (e.g., traceability, recycled materials, chemical management).
• Collaborate with design and PD teams to review material certifications (e.g., GOTS, RDS, OEKO-TEX).
• Prepare environmental and social compliance reports for internal and external stakeholders

Risk Management & Governance

• Lead risk assessments across supply chain operations to identify gaps and potential noncompliance.
• Develop internal policies, SOPs, and training for compliance across cross-functional teams.
• Serve as primary liaison with legal counsel and external compliance partners.

Bring Your VIBE:

• 7 years of compliance experience within the apparel, merchandise, accessories industry.
• Deep knowledge of global product safety, social responsibility, and environmental regulations.
• Proven experience leading factory audit programs and managing vendor relationships across multiple regions.
• Strong project management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Passion for ethical sourcing, transparency, and sustainability.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized; able to manage multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Collaborative leader who can influence cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Strategic thinker who anticipates regulatory changes and integrates compliance early in product development.
• Strong integrity, discretion, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, International Business, or related field