Production Manager Jobs

ABOUT HAZEL VILLAGE

Hazel Village makes organic woodland animals, dolls, doll clothes and matching children’s clothes to inspire hours of immersive, low-tech play. The company partners with social enterprises around the world to make our products in ethical and sustainable ways. The company and the animals have the same core values: we are resourceful, clever, jolly, diligent, and gentle.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Production Manager is responsible for creating and carrying out the plan to manufacture Hazel Village products. This includes sourcing materials and suppliers that meet our goals of ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. The production manager also works closely with the executive team to plan and develop the product calendar.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Planning & Sourcing

• Work with the Design team to source and find organic and recycled materials.
• Develop and implement product-sourcing strategies that support our design, while working to keep sourcing competitive.
• Advise team on the best location to make each product and reevaluate as needed
• Create production plan in collaboration with the Executive team based on inventory levels, sales forecasts, lead times for orders, and company budget constraints.

Production

• Address quality issues in the sampling and production phase. Arrange for reworking, chargebacks, and re-negotiating, as required.
• Determine the need and schedule travel to existing factories and potential new factories.
• Arrange for the necessary 3rd party testing for materials and finished products.
• Create POs in the inventory software.
• Collaborate with the NY Production Manager to determine the best way for making new products.
• Maintain communication with factories to make sure they meet the required deadlines and standards.
• Monitor the business practices of suppliers and factories.
• Research, vet and negotiate with new factories as may become necessary.
• Make sure that labeling requirements are being fulfilled.
• Carry out our compliance policy and keep abreast of changes in the legal requirements for our product categories.
• Assist the NY Production Manager with the schedule of small batch production. Help to prioritize what and when to make the product.
• Work with current factory base on product development, sampling, capacity building to meet the needs of our product line.

Administrative

• Maintain a product line costing, working with factories and executive team to make sure margins are met.
• Maintain consistent, clear, direct, and respectful communication with all collaborators.
• Monitor shipping charges and research cost effective options for shipping products internationally when needed.
• Track and monitor the calendar adherence with authority to report the gaps and make sure all functions follow their deadlines.
• Communicate and keep the executive team updated on pricing and production timelines and potential issues.
• Attend weekly executive meetings, weekly team meetings and monthly production meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of the product life cycle & business calendars
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly collaborative with cross functional partners
• Comfortable working in an hybrid environment - working in office several days a week (based on the needs of the business) with occasional remote work from home.
• Experience in toy/doll manufacturing not required.
• 5+ years related experience.
• Must possess negotiation skills.
• Substantial knowledge of trade regulations, testing protocol, product integrity, production cycle timeline and fabric construction.
• Ability to efficiently prioritize multiple tasks for department members.