We're looking for an expert in sorcery...er, sourcing to join the Hot Topic Production team and help manage the production process from point of conception to finished product for all Hot Topic brands. This Production/Sourcing Manager will assist in leading the strategy and production process, partnering with merchandising, design, product development, vendors and others to bring our product ideas to life.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Analyze business needs, develop and implement global sourcing strategies for assigned categories
• Manage production process from point of conception to finished product - develops and sourced fabrics, yarns, and trims; obtains approvals for fabric, lab dip, and trims
• Own vendor allocation and sourcing based on volume, technique, fabrication and cost
• Assesses existing and new vendor, factory and supplier capabilities against the assortment plan for volume, quota, costs, compliance, and lead-times; makes recommendation for a sourcing matrix
• Responsible for maintaining trackers and WIP reports while ensuring data integrity
• Handle all daily communication with overseas vendors for assigned categories
• Facilitate and manage timely approval of all components in accordance with time & action calendars to support on-time deliveries
• Timely communication and follow up with design and art teams on submits and strike off approvals
• Negotiate costs with vendors overseas to meet target AUCs. Suggest cost options when needed to meet margin targets.
• Work closely with the merchant & product development team to ensure vision of product is achieved during the sourcing & production process & updating them regularly on deliveries and production issues.
• Attend weekly TBs with buyers and to effectively communicate production issues/concerns while coming up with solutions to mitigate risk to the business
• Develops & manages Associate PD Manager, and PD Assistant, ensuring continuous learning and growth. Train direct reports to leverage their strengths to the needs of the organization

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• 8-10 years of progressive experience working with overseas vendors and product production management, 1+ of those years in licensing business; manufacturing experience is a plus
• Experience with travelling overseas to visit vendors/factories in COO China/SEA/Americas or ROW is a plus
• You're a sourcing, manufacturing and costing wizard
• You're always up to date on the latest trends & strategies in sourcing & production
• Negotiation is your middle name
• You have MS skills and Excel skills
• You're a strong communicator and a team player - your thrive in a team environment and are comfortable giving, and receiving, honest, direct, feedback
• Bilingual (Mandarin/Cantonese) a plus

Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). The information provided on the Form I-9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.