Director, Custom Manufacturing

Varsity Brands•Farmers Branch, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Custom Manufacturing is responsible for leading and optimizing all apparel manufacturing operations, ensuring high-quality production, on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and ethical compliance. This role oversees internal factories and/or external vendor partners, driving operational excellence across sourcing, production planning, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, trims, and production processes
Expertise in production planning, costing, and capacity management
Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing tracking systems
Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and decision-making skills
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and mentor high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Proven track record of driving organizational change, fostering accountability, and developing future leaders.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Skilled in navigating ambiguity, making data-informed decisions, and balancing short-term execution with long-term vision.
Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in apparel manufacturing or production operations
5+ years in a senior leadership or director-level role
Experience leading operations within global supply chains, including significant engagement with Central America based manufacturing partners; multi category apparel experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

Professional proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end apparel manufacturing operations from development through bulk production
Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business growth, margin, and speed-to-market goals
Oversee production planning, capacity management, and line balancing to meet delivery commitments
Ensure adherence to quality standards, fit consistency, and workmanship across all product categories
Manage relationships with domestic and international factories and vendors
Negotiate manufacturing costs, lead times, and capacity commitments
Conduct regular factory performance reviews based on quality, delivery, cost, and compliance metrics
Partner with sourcing and development teams on vendor selection and onboarding
Establish and enforce quality assurance processes and standard operating procedures
Ensure compliance with company standards, labor laws, social responsibility, and sustainability requirements
Address production issues, root causes, and corrective action plans proactively
Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality or ethical standards
Analyze manufacturing KPIs and identify opportunities for process improvement and waste reduction
Support margin improvement through engineering, fabric utilization, and production efficiencies
Champion a culture of compliance, innovation, and operational excellence across global functions.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Set clear performance expectations and development plans, providing regular coaching and conducting annual reviews to drive individual and team success.
Align team objectives with organizational goals, ensuring effective execution of strategies and daily operations across all functions.
Partner with senior leadership (VP and above) to provide regular updates, influence decision-making, and align product strategies.