Director, Production

Job Description

Job Description

Our Heritage: An American Original Since 1977

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal.

From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal—to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui.

For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

Overview

We are seeking a Director of Production to join our Product Development and Supply Chain team, reporting to our Chief Product Development & Supply Chain Officer. The Director of Production will lead end-to-end production execution across the global supply chain, ensuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and product quality. This role partners cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, Technical Design, and Sourcing to translate product strategy into scalable, reliable production outcomes.

The Director will be responsible for executing against the company’s operating strategy, driving disciplined processes, and building a high-performing vendor network to support growth and margin expansion while contributing to a collaborative, high-performing, and values-driven workplace.

This position is primarily based in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn office and follows a hybrid schedule, dependent on role and business needs.

About the role

Essential Functions*:

Production Execution & Delivery

• Lead End-to-End production from PO placement through final delivery, ensuring on-time and in-full performance.
• Oversee factory execution, capacity planning, and production timelines across global vendors.
• Identify and mitigate production risks, ensuring proactive issue resolution.

Cost Management & Margin Optimization

• Execute production strategies aligned with margin targets and cost objectives.
• Partner with Sourcing and Product Development to ensure cost discipline from development through bulk production.
• Monitor production cost drivers and implement cost engineering opportunities in partnership with Technical Design.

Vendor Management & Sourcing Execution

• Manage and optimize the vendor base, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and capacity requirements.
• Strengthening vendor relationships while driving accountability and performance.
• Support vendor segmentation and dual sourcing strategies to reduce risk and improve leverage.

Operational Discipline & Process Excellence

• Implement and enforce structured production processes, calendars, and milestone tracking.
• Establish clear KPIs (on-time delivery, lead times, quality, cost adherence) and ensure consistent performance tracking.
• Drive continuous improvement across production workflows and execution standards.

Supply Chain Visibility & Systems

• Ensure accurate and real-time WIP visibility across all production stages
• Partner on system enhancements (PLM, ERP) to improve tracking, reporting, and execution discipline
• Leverage data and reporting to support decision-making and performance management

Strategic Execution

• Execute against the company’s operating model and supply chain strategy, translating strategic priorities into actionable production plans
• Support initiatives that improve scalability, efficiency, and supply chain resilience
• Contribute to long-term capability building across production and sourcing functions

Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Other related duties as assigned

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in production, logistics and sourcing within apparel or accessories
• Proven expertise in global sourcing and vendor management
• Strong background in cost negotiation and margin optimization
• Deep understanding of supply chain, lead times, and production processes
• Experience managing multi-country sourcing strategies
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence cross-functional partners at senior levels
• Strong leadership skills in developing and managing a team
• Experience and interest in enhancing processes and driving for continuous improvement and efficiency.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, standing, bending and kneeling.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to access and navigate various department at the organization's facilities.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Pay Transparency & Disclaimer

$130,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Compensation and benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. J.McLaughlin reserves the right to modify compensation and benefit programs at any time, in accordance with applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.