Global Operations & Merchandising Lead

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven professional to lead the integration of merchandising, product development, and global supply chain operations. This highly visible, cross-functional role is responsible for managing the end-to-end product lifecycle—from concept and vendor onboarding through production and global delivery. The ideal candidate excels in fast-paced environments, brings a strong analytical mindset, and fosters collaboration across design, sourcing, sales, QA, and logistics to ensure product excellence, margin achievement, and seamless execution.

Core Responsibilities

Cross-Functional Communication & Alignment

• Serve as the primary liaison between global factory partners and internal teams, ensuring streamlined communication and data sharing.
• Partner closely with Product Development, Design, and Sales to align timelines, priorities, and deliverables across both Retail and Professional channels.
• Act as the go-to resource for cross-departmental product inquiries, enabling rapid and informed decision-making.

Sample & Product Development Management

• Oversee all sample lifecycle activities, ensuring timely approvals to meet critical path deadlines.
• Drive seasonal line planning, merchandising strategies, and development milestones in partnership with Design, Sourcing, and Planning teams.
• Develop compelling product rollouts and internal sales tools, including catalogs, pricing decks, and feature documentation.

SMU & Customer-Driven Projects

• Manage off-calendar and customer-specific development requests with efficiency and precision.
• Coordinate with factories for custom product needs (e.g., CADs, lead times, and pricing) while ensuring timely execution.

Technical Development Oversight

• Facilitate the creation and accuracy of Tech Packs by coordinating with factories and internal partners.
• Maintain a centralized repository for all technical files, driving consistency and quality control.

Operational & Project Execution

• Lead cross-functional product launch deadlines, including photography, packaging approvals, and delivery timelines.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential roadblocks, and implement proactive solutions to maintain momentum.

Sales Enablement & Data Accessibility

• Partner with creative and sales teams to improve access to product assets and information (e.g., D365, F Drive).
• Create intuitive tools and guides to empower teams to retrieve critical product data independently.
• Anticipate and respond to recurring sales inquiries through organized, up-to-date product documentation.

Production & Vendor Management

• Own day-to-day communication with global vendors, ensuring timely production, quality standards, and cost control.
• Manage production tracking, sample approvals, and vendor capacity planning to align with demand forecasts.
• Provide technical mentorship to factories and collaborate closely with QA and Compliance teams to uphold brand standards.

Supply Chain Optimization

• Analyze purchase order data, shipment schedules, and production reports to drive supply chain efficiency.
• Serve as a key point of contact for factory onboarding, global logistics, and compliance program administration (e.g., Opsec).
• Maintain and enhance vendor manuals, reporting tools, and internal documentation to drive continuous improvement.
• Monitor and optimize cost structures, operational workflows, and system alignment (ERP/PLM) to support margin enhancement.

Special Initiatives

• Support department-wide initiatives and ad hoc projects to drive business growth, operational excellence, and strategic innovation.