Job Title: Vice President of Sourcing and Manufacturing
Reports To: President
Industry: Apparel / Swimwear / Intimates
Employment Type: Full-Time, Executive Level
Position Summary
We are seeking a visionary and hands-on Vice President of Sourcing and Manufacturing to lead our Asia-based operations in swimwear, lingerie, and apparel. This role is pivotal in driving product excellence, cost efficiency, and supply chain agility while aligning with U.S. brand expectations. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in intimate apparel production, leadership capabilities, a strong network of suppliers across Asia, and a proven track record of delivering premium products to the U.S. market.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute sourcing and manufacturing strategies for swimwear and lingerie, balancing innovation, quality, and speed-to-market.
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing regional teams across sourcing, product development, production, technical design, and quality assurance.
- Effectively manage global teams, prioritize conflicting demands, and drive outcomes to success.
Vendor & Supply Chain Management
- Identify, onboard, and manage relationships with top-tier factories and suppliers across Asia (China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, etc.).
- Expand sourcing capabilities in emerging markets (Egypt, Jordan, Middle East, etc.).
- Maintain country intelligence for cost-benefit and risk assessment; negotiate optimal development and manufacturing terms.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions to ensure compliance with brand standards.
Product Development & Technical Expertise
- Collaborate with design and merchandising teams to meet manufacturability and cost targets.
- Oversee garment fit, construction, and technical execution to maintain premium intimate apparel standards.
- Develop partnerships with raw material suppliers to drive strategic initiatives.
Operational Excellence
- Optimize production planning, lead times, and inventory flow for seasonal and replenishment programs.
- Implement lean manufacturing principles and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
Compliance & Sustainability
- Ensure sourcing partners adhere to ethical labor, environmental, and safety standards.
- Champion sustainable materials and practices in line with brand values and consumer expectations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the strategic bridge between Asia operations and U.S. brand teams, ensuring transparency and alignment.
- Provide executive leadership with regular updates on sourcing performance, risks, and opportunities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Apparel Production, or related field.
- 15+ years in apparel sourcing and manufacturing, including at least 5 years in senior management.
- Strong understanding of U.S. retail and premium/lifestyle brand expectations.
- Deep knowledge of Asia-based supply chains and swimwear/lingerie factory capabilities.
- Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Action-oriented with strong problem-solving and solution-focused thinking.
- Fluent in English; proficiency in Mandarin or other Asian languages is a plus.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% across Asia and the U.S.
Preferred Attributes
- Technical expertise in swimwear and lingerie construction, materials, and fit standards.
- Experience with digital product development tools (e.g., 3D sampling, PLM systems).
- Passion for innovation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic global environment.