Director – Product Operations Full Time

Main Purpose & Key Challenges

Lead and refine Outerknown’s end-to-end product development, sourcing, and production. Deliver high-quality, on-time, right-cost product while upholding the brand’s sustainability goals. Own the processes, supplier strategy, costing, and gross-profit targets that power the company’s growth.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Sourcing

• Execute sourcing initiatives and diversify the vendor base.

• Bring deep surf-apparel expertise in boardshorts, swimwear, rashguards, and surfsuits.

• Onboard new suppliers to reduce risk, close performance gaps, and lower costs.

• Scorecard current suppliers on lead time, margin, capacity, quality, and overall performance.

• Lead cost-reduction work: price negotiations, RFQs, and complex sourcing calls.

• Visit factories annually to review capability, build relationships, and audit quality, compliance, and labour standards.

• Own supplier contracts, forecast management, and escalation of delivery risks.

• Hit margin goals and report on KPIs (on-time delivery, CPU, quality, tariffs, cycle time).

• Partner with Design on seasonal vendor allocation.

• Drive weekly WIP updates and embed sustainable practices across the network.

Product Development & Technical Design

• Work hand-in-hand with Merchandising, Design, and vendors to execute the creative brief.

• Provide raw-material options that meet margin targets and trend direction.

• Maintain material and trim libraries plus cost-engineered proto samples.

• Ensure on-time, accurate tech-pack/BOM hand-off.

• Track concept and proto stages, flag delays early, and run weekly WIP sessions.

• Oversee fit, wear testing, and competitor fit analysis.

Production & Logistics

• Align global production plans with sales forecasts and demand.

• Manage timelines, solve bottlenecks, and enforce quality standards at every factory.

• Strengthen supplier QA programs to cut returns.

• Analyse metrics for efficiency gains and cost savings.

• Lead social and regulatory compliance, including Fair Labor and Textile Exchange audits.

• Answer customer compliance queries and mitigate risk.

Product Operations

• Keep product, merchandising, design, and creative teams aligned on goals and deadlines.

• Own the seasonal M&D calendar and sample tracking for milestone meetings.

• Run the SMU and purchasing process for the company.

Leadership

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team across production, logistics, development, and tech design.

• Chair cross-functional meetings to keep sourcing, production, sales, and development in sync.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.

• Position Product Operations as a true partner to Creative and Merchandising.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: 10+ years in product operations; 5+ years in senior leadership within apparel. Surf-industry background preferred.

• Education: Bachelor’s in Supply Chain, Business, or related field; MBA or similar a bonus.

• Technical: Strong ERP and PLM skills; data-driven and analytical.

• Industry Knowledge: Full command of apparel production, quality standards, logistics, and fulfilment best practice.

• Leadership: Proven ability to build and guide top-tier teams.

• Problem-Solving: Thrives in fast-moving, dynamic environments; tackles challenges head-on.

Tagged as: california, outerknown, product, production