At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee the full product life cycle of our all-natural activewear range from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join Nero, a brand dedicated to creating the best activewear from natural fibres.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, performance bonuses, and potential for vested equity.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and strong supplier relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable fashion while leading innovative production practices.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years in product development or production, preferably in luxury apparel.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Nero is hiring a Production + Sourcing Manager to oversee the full product life cycle of our all natural activewear range from concept to final delivery. This individual will be responsible for setting and maintaining the seasonal calendar and driving forward the execution and logistics in order to achieve overall business objectives.
They'll lead sourcing and cost engineering across the range, making sure every product holds the quality bar and delivers on our mission to build the best activewear in the world from natural fibres. Responsibilities include:
- Source and develop products that meet quality standards, identifying cost solutions from initial development through final costing.
- Actively scout and qualify new fabric mills, finishers, trim suppliers, and garment manufacturers across Europe and Asia, building a deeper and more resilient supplier base for Nero.
- Place all fabric orders across our mill partners, managing lead times, minimums, and quality specs end to end.
- Manage time and action calendars in partnership with our freelancers, holding vendors accountable to key deadlines.
- Lead vendor onboarding, communicate Nero's production and quality requirements, and track performance through seasonal vendor scorecards.
- Monitor shipment status, coordinate split PO’s by warehouse location, and schedule third-party in-line QC.
- Flag high-risk issues, quality, costing, or delivery, to the founder and cross-functional partners early.
- Continuously push for more efficient and sustainable production practices.
- Coordinate inbound shipments with freight forwarders and 3PLs, managing documentation through customs and communicating delivery status across the team.
- Create ASNs in the WMS ahead of deliveries and ensure packing lists reach the 3PL on time.
Reports to the founder, upholding quality standards, timelines, and industry best practices. Build strong relationships with manufacturing partners and conduct international vendor calls as needed.
6-10 years of experience in Product development or Production (Apparel & Clothing) - Luxury brand is a bonus. Proficient in Microsoft Office, Acrobat, Google, Dropbox, Centric. You use AI daily as a genuine force multiplier: drafting supplier communications, building tracking tools, stress-testing decisions, summarising complex information, and accelerating everything you do. Agile and efficient while remaining detail-oriented.
In-office in Manchester with flexibility to work from home periodically. Opportunity for vested equity over time. Performance bonus applied to specific KPIs.
Freelance Production Director employer: Nero
Nero is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, particularly for the role of Freelance Production Director. Located in Manchester, we offer a flexible working environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, alongside opportunities for professional growth and vested equity over time. Our commitment to sustainability and quality in activewear not only drives our mission but also empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Production Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that freelance gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in production and sourcing. Make it easy for potential clients to see what you can do and how you can add value to their projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Nero, and express your interest in working with them. You never know what opportunities might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Production Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Freelance Production Director role. Highlight your experience in product development and production, especially in activewear or luxury brands, to show us you’re the right fit.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see how you use tools like Microsoft Office and Google in your daily work. Mention any specific projects where you’ve used AI to enhance your productivity or streamline processes – it’ll make you stand out!
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role involves managing timelines and quality standards, give examples of how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in the past. We love candidates who can juggle multiple tasks while keeping an eye on the details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nero
✨Know Your Product Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the full product life cycle, especially in the context of activewear. Be ready to discuss how you would manage everything from concept to delivery, and share examples of your past experiences in overseeing similar processes.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships. Highlight any specific fabric mills or manufacturers you've worked with, and be ready to discuss how you ensure quality while keeping costs down.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Prowess
Since you'll be managing timelines and vendor performance, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully led projects in the past. Discuss your approach to maintaining action calendars and holding vendors accountable to deadlines.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Efficiency
Nero is keen on sustainable practices, so be prepared to discuss how you've implemented efficient production methods in your previous roles. Share any innovative ideas you have for improving sustainability in the activewear industry.
