At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee product life cycle of all-natural activewear from concept to delivery.
- Company: Nero, a forward-thinking brand focused on sustainable activewear.
- Benefits: Equity opportunities, performance bonuses, and flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team creating the best activewear while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years in product development, strong negotiation skills, and tech-savvy.
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 will 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Sourcing and Development: 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. Ensure accurate and timely handover of tech packs and BOMs, and keep costing current and aligned with company targets across all styles. Own the critical path, maintaining it throughout the season. Track all rounds of sampling, and photo shoots, and attend fittings as needed.
- Fabric Ordering and POs: Place all fabric orders across our mill partners, managing lead times, minimums, and quality specs end to end. Hold a working level of greige and core finished fabrics in stock so we are never gated by 120-day mill lead times on bestseller reorders. Forecast fabric consumption against the demand plan and place forward orders early enough that safety stock is always replenished before it runs out.
- Production and QC: 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 POs 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.
- Operations and Sustainability: 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. Maintain accurate Style masters each season. Partner with Design and Technical Design on end-of-season hindsights to improve future costing, fit, and construction. Stay current on US and EU environmental regulations and support EPR compliance reporting.
- Collaboration and Communication: Reports to the founder, upholding quality standards, timelines, and industry best practices. Work closely with the whole team and keep everyone aligned on status and deadlines. Build strong relationships with manufacturing partners and conduct international vendor calls as needed. Show up to weekly and milestone meetings as an engaged, collaborative contributor.
Who you are:
- 6-10 years of experience in Product development or Production (Apparel & Clothing) - Luxury brand is a bonus.
- Strong cost negotiating skills combined with a detailed knowledge and understanding of garment construction and cost breakdown.
- Accountable, entrepreneurial, and proactive with a strong work ethic and can-do attitude.
- Must be tech-savvy; working with Microsoft Office, Acrobat, Google, Dropbox, Centric. Experience with Illustrator is preferred.
- Highly proficient with AI tools, Claude in particular. You use AI daily as a genuine force multiplier: drafting supplier comms, building tracking tools, stress-testing decisions, summarising complex info, and accelerating everything you do. We're an AI-native business and expect every hire to be the same.
- Ability to work on both long-lead and speed-to-market developments; agile and efficient while remaining detail-oriented.
- Highly organized and able to productively self-manage workloads and prioritize top deliverables.
How we work: In-office in Manchester with flexibility to work from home periodically. Collaborative, fast-paced, and deeply cross-functional.
Perks + Benefits: Opportunity for vested equity overtime. Performance bonus applied to specific KPIs.
Production & Sourcing Manager employer: Nero
Nero is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Manchester where creativity and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on sustainability and quality, employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects while benefiting from opportunities for growth, performance bonuses, and the potential for vested equity. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to crafting the best activewear from natural fibres, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production & Sourcing Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know in the activewear scene, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those related to sourcing and production. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their mission, values, and products. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their goals, especially in sustainability and quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Production & Sourcing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Production & Sourcing Manager role. Highlight your experience in product development and sourcing, and don’t forget to mention any relevant skills with AI tools, as we’re all about that tech-savvy life!
Showcase Your Experience:We want to see your journey! Share specific examples of how you've managed product life cycles or sourced materials in the past. The more detail you provide about your successes, the better we can understand how you’ll fit into our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also a great cultural fit. Don’t be afraid to show us your passion for sustainable practices and quality production in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Nero family!
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 sourcing to final delivery, and share examples from your past experience that highlight your ability to oversee these processes.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in sourcing and developing products. Highlight any specific fabric mills or suppliers you've worked with, and be ready to discuss how you identify cost solutions while maintaining quality standards.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savviness
Since this role requires being tech-savvy, brush up on the tools mentioned in the job description, like Microsoft Office and AI tools. Be prepared to explain how you've used technology to streamline processes or improve efficiency in your previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This position involves a lot of teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you keep everyone aligned on deadlines and how you build strong relationships with vendors and partners.
