Production Manager - Women's Dresses and Outerwear

**POSITION TITLE:** Production Manager - Women’s Dresses and Outerwear

**REPORTS TO:**   Sr Production Manager

**POSITION SUMMARY:** Manage information for development of new styles from concept to production via interaction with internal and external cross functional partners.

**RESPONSIBILITIES:**

**Fabric**

* Partner with Design on initial development
* Oversee raw material development to meet price, aesthetic, and quality needs
* Ensure raw materials are executable; consider fabric platforming possibilities
* Oversee raw materials testing and creation and maintenance of raw materials library

**Product Development**

* Partner with Design to drive trends/concepts to executable samples
* Work with Design to select fabrics and trims to meet Design aesthetics, price points, and quality needs
* Manage compliance to T&A calendar in conjunction with major milestones
* Manage development ratios to agreed to levels while meeting roadmap needs
* Formulate sourcing strategy by partnering with Production Director before placing sample request in overseas factories
* Allocate samples and source raw materials from appropriate factories and mills
* Actively participate in key milestone meetings with Design, Production, and Merchants
* Work on alternative solutions so garments meet cost requirements from initial thru final costing

**Production**

* Facilitate and lead cross-functional interaction to drive decision making process, remove road blocks and bring resolution. Attend the following key meetings to facilitate and drive toward resolution: Cross Functional Team (CFT), QA touch base and TOP Review.
* Execute sourcing strategy at a seasonal level. Own, monitor and manage factory allocation. Elevate concerns and issues to supervisor as needed. Forecast and hindsight Vendor / Agent capacity and capabilities.
* Manage external partners’ relationships by communicating and partnering with them on: Seasonal allocation strategy; production, product or costing challenges, initiatives or issues; factory loading / capacity planning.
* Manage internal partners’ relationships by communicating and partnering with them on: seasonal IMU goals, volume, air budget and trigger strategy; seasonal allocation strategy and booking calendar; costing and TNA challenges as well as production or product issues.
* Own seasonal costing activities encompassing: Securing and communicating IMU goals to team; reviewing and analyzing costs identifying opportunities for improvement and taking action based on IMU results; elevating costing issues to supervisor and executing to direction; communicating IMU results to cross functional partners; confirming costing at style level.
* Enforce that TNA calendar and seasonal milestones are being met and elevate issues to supervisor as needed.
* Review escalated PSR issues and determine action steps which may include: Giving direction to coordinator to execute, reaching out to Vendor / Agent to work on solutions and / or escalating to supervisor.
* Visit facilities to monitor production, evaluate capacity and compliance as needed.
* Train and develop designated production staff
* Ensure initiatives, tools and systems are being implemented and maintained. Monitor use of systems over time.
* Perform other duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

* Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, or equivalent
* 5+ years related experience; Sweaters experience is preferred
* Ability to efficiently prioritize multiple tasks for department members.
* Must possess negotiation skills.
* Capable of training, developing and managing team
* Comfortable working in a hybrid environment - mainly working in the office 3 to 4 days a week with the team and remote work from home 1 to 2 days a week.

**Pay/Benefits Information:**

* Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
* Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
* Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.  For additional information, please click [here](https://hcml.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dDocName=UCMFA03502570&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=1).
* AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

**Get to Know AEO**

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.

Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.

At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our *Better Together* culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.

**Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO**

We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives [here](https://www.aeo-inc.com/inclusion-diversity/).

*AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.*

Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.