Stock Mfg.

Compensation

Full Description

Director of Product & Production Location: Chicago, IL In Office: Minimum of 3 days/week Department: Product & Operations Reports to: CEO Direct Reports: 3 (Product Developer, Production Coordinator, QC Specialist) Role Summary We’re looking for a highly strategic and analytical Director of Product & Production to lead the end-to-end apparel lifecycle — from forecasting and product strategy to factory management and inventory execution. This hybrid role combines some creative direction with operational excellence, ensuring that every garment aligns with brand standards, client needs, and profitability targets. You’ll oversee our core and custom uniform programs, manage vendor relationships, negotiate costs and terms, and use data-driven insights to optimize production and inventory planning. As a key member of our leadership team, you’ll balance creativity, cost, and efficiency to deliver best-in-class product quality and service. Key Responsibilities 🧭 Product Strategy & Line Planning • Define the long-term product roadmap for stocked, semi-custom, and fully custom programs. • Partner with sales and marketing to align product direction with client demand and brand positioning. • Manage SKU architecture, margin performance, and lifecycle planning. 📊 Data-Driven Inventory Planning • Forecast demand based on historical sales, growth targets, and seasonality. • Maintain ideal stock levels across core programs while managing cash flow and lead time risk. • Use analytics tools (Excel/Sheets, Airtable, or BI dashboards) to model purchasing and reorder decisions. • Present monthly reporting on inventory health, cost trends, and production performance. 🧵 Production Management • Oversee all factory relationships, ensuring consistent quality, pricing, and reliability. • Issue and track POs, manage production calendars, and monitor WIP. • Ensure on-time, in-full delivery of all bulk and custom orders. • Lead vendor negotiations on pricing, MOQs, and payment terms. ⚙️ Process Optimization & Quality Control • Standardize systems for forecasting, approvals, and production tracking. • Implement and maintain QC processes with clear pass/fail criteria and inspection procedures. • Identify process improvements to reduce lead times and eliminate waste. 👥 Team Leadership • Manage and mentor a small but growing team (Production Coordinator, Product Developer, and QC Specialist). • Build scalable workflows and documentation as the company expands. • Collaborate closely with leadership to balance operational discipline with creative growth. Qualifications • 6+ years of experience in apparel production, product development, or supply chain management. • Strong analytical and Excel/Google Sheets skills; able to translate data into actionable strategy. • Proven experience managing vendor relationships, cost negotiations, and timelines. • Deep understanding of garment construction, lead times, and MOQs. • Experience in B2B or uniform apparel strongly preferred. • Familiarity with PLM, ERP, or BI systems (Airtable, NetSuite, Looker, etc.) is a plus. Compensation Base Salary Range: $100,000 – $135,000 Bonus: Variable based on performance Final compensation will depend on experience level, technical capability, and demonstrated leadership in apparel production and planning. About Stock: Since 2012, Stock Mfg. has designed and manufactured custom uniforms and merchandise for some of the best bars, restaurants, hotels and brands in the world. With roots in the fashion industry, we combine the latest trends with the functionality and durability you expect from workwear. We offer full service design, development and manufacturing, with a focus on innovative products and a tightly managed supply chain. Clients include Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Auberge Resorts, The Ritz Carlton, Lettuce Entertain You, Alinea Restaurant Group, Boka Restaurant Group, Delta One and Chase Sapphire Club. Working at Stock will be fast paced and ever-changing, and your role will likely evolve with time. You will have the opportunity to work directly with the founders of the company, but an effective candidate will also operate with a lot of autonomy. You’ll also get invited to cool events and restaurant openings!