Apparel Material Production Manager-HK/DG/Hybrid

The role can locate in Hong Kong or Dongguan or hybrid.

Main Responsibilities:

• Own the review and disposition of bulk material lots from Asia-based mills and suppliers, excluding India, to ensure compliance with approved development standards and Ariat quality requirements.

• Review bulk materials for color, handfeel, appearance, and overall quality against the approved standard established by SL HQ.

• Evaluate mill internal and/or third-party laboratory test results against Ariat's Material Test Protocol and performance requirements.

• Determine and communicate the appropriate disposition of bulk lots and test results, including approval, rejection, conditional approval, or required corrective action.

• Identify material quality risks early and proactively drive resolution to minimize production delays, rework, or potential customer issues.

• Evaluate material samples, retain samples, and other production submissions as needed to verify conformance to approved specifications and performance standards.

• Ensure all bulk material approvals, test reports, comments, dispositions, and supporting documentation are accurately and timely maintained in PLM.

• Maintain a high level of data integrity within PLM and ensure material production records provide clear visibility to cross-functional partners.

• Leverage PLM reporting and material data to monitor production status, identify outstanding actions, and proactively escalate risks to calendar or quality.

• Support the onboarding of new mills and suppliers in partnership with the SL HQ Materials team.

• Train and coach new suppliers on Ariat Apparel Materials processes, including Material Test Protocols, submission requirements, Natific expectations (If Applicable), and Materials SOPs.

• Partner closely with the SL HQ Apparel Materials team to ensure development and production activities remain aligned with seasonal calendars and business priorities.

• Monitor bulk material status and proactively communicate potential risks related to quality, testing, approval timing, or production readiness.

• Troubleshoot and independently resolve material-related issues that arise during bulk production, engaging appropriate cross-functional partners when escalation is required.

• Partner with Product Integrity, Quality Control, and suppliers to investigate and resolve production issues, material failures, and customer complaints.

• Support root-cause analysis and corrective action for recurring material quality or performance issues and follow through to ensure preventive actions are implemented.

• Provide technical material support and recommendations to cross-functional teams to support timely and informed decision-making.

Key Competency:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Technology, Fiber or Material Science.

2. 7-10 years in apparel material production or development apparel.

3. Basic knowledge of fibers - knitting/weaving and dye methods. Some basic functional understanding of Softline material testing methods and standards related to fabrics.

4. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Mandarin.

5. Effective time management and the ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate with others.

6. Critical thinker, analytical, problem solver, creative, adaptable, flexible, shifting focus quickly as needed.

7. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

8. Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PLM.