At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee product life cycle of natural activewear from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking brand committed to sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: Equity opportunities, performance bonuses, and flexible work arrangements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with growth potential and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the activewear industry while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: 6-10 years in apparel production, strong negotiation skills, and tech-savvy.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
The Role
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 communications, building tracking tools, stress-testing decisions, summarising complex information, 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 over time.
- Performance bonus applied to specific KPIs.
Production & Sourcing Manager in Swindon 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 have the opportunity to grow their careers while contributing to the mission of creating the best activewear from natural fibres. The company provides unique benefits such as vested equity opportunities and performance bonuses, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production & Sourcing Manager in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Production & Sourcing Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience in sourcing and product development. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you're keen on, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly and express your interest in working with them. Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their needs in production and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real! During interviews, be authentic and let your passion for activewear and sustainability shine through. Companies like Nero want to see that you’re not just qualified, but also genuinely excited about their mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Production & Sourcing Manager in Swindon
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 that align with our mission at Nero.
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your strong cost negotiating skills and knowledge of garment construction. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully managed production processes or sourced quality materials.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application! We value a can-do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit, so don’t hesitate to share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team culture.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nero
✨Know Your Product Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the full product life cycle, especially in activewear. Be ready to discuss how you would manage everything from sourcing to final delivery, and share examples of your past experiences in similar roles.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with sourcing and developing products. Highlight any specific fabric mills or suppliers you've worked with, and be ready to discuss how you ensure quality while managing costs.
✨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 Illustrator. Be prepared to explain how you've used technology to streamline processes or improve communication in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This position involves working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, managed timelines, and maintained strong relationships with vendors. Show that you're a team player who can keep everyone aligned.
