Director Apparel Ops & Planning

Position Summary

The Director of Global Apparel Sourcing & Operations is a strategic, analytical leader responsible for the end‑to‑end supply chain, from factory sourcing and manufacturing partnerships through inventory strategy and seasonal demand forecasting. This role owns upstream vendor relationships and negotiations, driving cost, quality, and capacity outcomes, while ensuring product availability, margin health, and operational excellence across all channels: DTC storefronts, Ecommerce, Wholesale partners, and International Distribution.

This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Applications for this position will be accepted until July 27, 2026.

• Factory & Vendor Sourcing:
  Identify, vet, and onboard manufacturing partners and factories globally; lead sourcing strategy to optimize cost, quality, capacity, and lead time
• Factory Negotiations:
  Lead pricing, terms, and capacity negotiations with domestic and international factories and manufacturing partners; drive cost‑savings initiatives without compromising quality or delivery
• Manufacturing Partner Management:
  Own the day‑to‑day and strategic relationship with manufacturing partners, holding factories accountable to quality, compliance, capacity, and delivery commitments
• Brand Operations:
  Lead cross‑functional operations with Aspen Collection's external Design & Development and Manufacturing partners from product development handoff through delivery
• Demand Planning:
  Own the seasonal and in‑season demand planning process, translating financial plans into unit‑level forecasts by style, color, and channel
• Forecasting Analytics:
  Analyze historical data, market trends, and partner input to generate accurate forecasts aligned with product lifecycle goals
• Product Development
  
  Roadmap:
  
  Develop and maintain seasonal critical path timelines in coordination with factories, vendors, and manufacturing partners
• Cross‑Functional Alignment:
  Collaborate with merchandising, retail, finance, and sales reps to align forecast and buy strategies across DTC and wholesale channels
• Purchase Order Management:
  Write, issue, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) to domestic and international vendors, ensuring alignment with forecasted demand, negotiated pricing, and delivery windows
• Logistics Oversight:
  Oversee logistics workflows including warehousing, inventory transfers, and outbound fulfillment
• Inventory Management:
  Monitor and manage inventory health across the portfolio, identifying risk and opportunities to rebalance, liquidate, or reinvest
• Performance Monitoring:
  Analyze dashboards and performance reports on factory performance, inventory, delivery timelines, OTB, and sales‑to‑stock metrics
• Financial Partnership:
  Partner with Finance to align sourcing costs and demand planning with revenue targets, margin expectations, and cash flow planning
• Process Improvement:
  Identify and implement process improvements across factories, partners, and supply chain to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels
• Liability Tracking:
  Ensure real‑time alignment between POs and invoices to accurately track material liabilities, prevent over payments, and manage vendor accountability
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, or related field or equivalent professional experience in lieu of degree is required
• 7+ years of experience in operations, demand planning, merchandising, and supply chain within apparel, consumer goods, or retail
• 3+ years of people leadership experience

• Strong data fluency; expertise in Excel and familiarity with ERP and planning systems (e.g., Net Suite)
• Deep understanding of lead times, production calendars, and the dynamics of seasonal and lifestyle apparel
• Experience working with domestic and international supply partners
• A strategic thinker who thrives in both high‑level planning and hands‑on execution
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail in a dynamic, high‑growth environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative spirit to work across departments and leadership levels
• Ability to manage and lead diverse teams, fostering…