Merchandising & Production Manager

Vida Shoes International•New York, NY

12h•$80 - $100•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1973, Vida Shoes International, Inc. has been committed to becoming a global leader in the footwear industry. We are dedicated to designing, producing, and marketing quality branded footwear using our expansive international resources. Our wealth of knowledge stems from the diversity of brands and successful products we have produced year after year. We are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive, and commercially minded Merchandising & Production Manager with a minimum of five years of experience in wholesale footwear or fashion. This role supports the full product lifecycle—from concept, line building, and sample management to sourcing, costing, and production tracking. The ideal candidate is highly organized, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and has strong cross-functional communication skills.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in merchandising, production, or product development—preferably within wholesale footwear.
Strong understanding of footwear construction, timelines, and materials.
Experience working with factories (domestic or overseas) and managing production calendars.
Proficient in Excel, PLM systems, and line planning tools.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Design, and Operations.
Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.

Nice To Haves

A team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
Someone solutions-oriented with a proactive approach to problem solving.
A passion for footwear, product creation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Assist in building seasonal product assortments and line plans based on sales data, market trends, and retailer needs.
Partner with Sales to support account-specific assortments, costing, and line presentations.
Coordinate sample development, tracking, and distribution for sales meetings, photoshoots, and key account reviews.
Analyze sell-through performance and competitive trends to identify opportunities for growth.
Maintain merchandising tools including line sheets, catalogs, and assortment guides.
Manage the end-to-end production process from PO issuance to final delivery.
Work closely with factories and sourcing teams on materials, lead times, costing updates, and production schedules.
Track production status, ensuring all deadlines are met and issues are escalated promptly.
Review samples at all stages (proto, SMS, pre-production, TOP) to ensure quality, fit, and construction standards.
Communicate with logistics teams to ensure on-time shipments and resolve delays or quality issues.
Coordinate QC reports, testing results, and compliance documentation.