OluKai and Melin Director of Production

Who We Are

Archipelago Companies, a portfolio of highly successful consumer lifestyle brands, is seeking a talented and passionate individual with an entrepreneurial mindset to join our team. Our brands, including Olu Kai, Melin, Roark, and Tradewind Services are leaders in their respective markets, offering high-quality products and authentic marketing stories direct to consumers. At Archipelago Companies, we pride ourselves on our commitment to integrity, and we strive to create a culture of excellence in everything we do.

If you are a driven and innovative individual with a passion for consumer brands, we invite you to apply for our open position and become a part of our dynamic and growing team.

As Director of Production you sit between strategy and execution — translating the VP’s direction into operational reality across Olu Kai and Melin. You own the end-to-end production and supply chain process, manage key vendor relationships, and lead the day-to-day team. You’re a strong operator with the commercial acumen to understand how production decisions affect brand margins, and the leadership presence to drive accountability across a cross-functional organization.

• Own end-to-end production operations across all two brands — from PO issuance through factory delivery
• Manage master production calendars, seasonal timelines, and delivery milestones in alignment with brand plans
• Oversee factory capacity planning and allocation — ensuring the right products are placed with the right partners
• Partner with demand planning and finance to align production output with inventory targets and revenue plans

• Manage day-to-day and strategic relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners
• Lead cost negotiations, vendor performance reviews, and corrective action processes
• Maintain a healthy vendor portfolio — evaluating factory capabilities, quality, and risk on an ongoing basis
• Travel internationally to support factory visits, quality reviews, and relationship development

• Lead and develop the Production Manager and broader production team
• Serve as the primary cross-functional liaison between production, product development, logistics, marketing, and finance
• Drive alignment on seasonal calendars, launch readiness, and replenishment planning across brands
• Build and refine tools, systems, and processes that improve team efficiency and visibility

• Own production KPIs — on-time delivery, cost variance, quality rates, and inventory accuracy
• Present performance updates and operational risks to the VP and leadership team
• Identify and lead initiatives that drive continuous improvement across the production function

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years of experience in production, supply chain, or operations — with at least 2 years in a director or senior manager role
• Deep understanding of international production and vendor management, preferably in footwear, apparel, accessories, or consumer goods
• Strong grasp of unit economics — BOMs, landed cost, COGS, and margin levers
• Proven ability to lead a team and drive cross-functional accountability
• Highly organized with strong systems thinking — you build structure where it’s lacking
• Excellent communicator across all levels of the organization
• Comfortable with international travel

This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in Irvine, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. On call as needed and subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $145,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

• Complimentary chef prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday
• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
• Company bonus program
• 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company…