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 York employer: Nero
Nero is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and fast-paced work culture in the heart of Manchester. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, employees are empowered to grow through opportunities for vested equity and performance bonuses, while also enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to creating the best activewear from natural fibres, where your contributions directly impact our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production & Sourcing Manager in York
✨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 York
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, especially if you've worked with natural fibres or in a luxury brand setting. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Show Off Your Tech Skills:Since we're an AI-native business, it's crucial to showcase your tech-savviness. Mention any experience you have with tools like Microsoft Office, Google, or even Illustrator. If you've used AI tools like Claude, let us know how they've helped you in your previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the best fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage timelines and quality standards effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team at Nero!
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 sourcing, development, and production timelines. Show that you can keep everything on track from concept to delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Sourcing Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully sourced materials or managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your experience with fabric mills and garment manufacturers, especially if you've worked across Europe and Asia.
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Since this role requires being tech-savvy, be prepared to talk about your experience with tools like Microsoft Office, Google, and any design software. If you’ve used AI tools like Claude, share specific instances where they helped you streamline processes.
✨Be Ready for Collaboration Questions
This position involves a lot of teamwork, so expect questions about how you communicate and collaborate with others. Think of examples where you’ve built strong relationships with vendors or worked cross-functionally to achieve goals.
