Associate Director, Production

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
 

Bravado International Group is the only global, 360 degree full service merchandise company, develops and markets high-quality licensed merchandise to a world-wide audience. The company works closely with new and established entertainment clients, creating innovative products carefully tailored to each artist or brand. Product is sold on live tours, via selected retail outlets and through Web-based stores. Bravado also licenses rights to an extensive network of third-party licensees around the world. The company maintains offices in London, Los Angeles, New York, Berlin, Paris, Tokyo and Sydney. Under the Universal Music Group umbrella, Bravado is able to leverage a global sales and distribution network from the world’s largest record company, as well as the group’s significant marketing strength.  

How you’ll LEAD:

The Associate Director of Production will be an essential part of Bravado team, helping to drive margin and leverage merchandise needs for  E-commerce.  Responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, from PD through bulk delivery. This position will report directly to the Senior Director of Product Development/Production and will work alongside Artist Management teams, Creative and Cross functional partners to coordinate and develop new products to be launched on artist’s ecommerce platforms. 

How you’ll CREATE:

• Oversee the end-to-end production process for all apparel and accessory categories, ensuring adherence to quality, timelines and margin goals.  
• Manage sampling schedules with manufacturers and ensure product matches to the tech pack. Work alongside Design and Management to give thorough comments
• Partner with design, development, artist teams and planning to align production schedules and capacities.  
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate costing, lead-time and capacity planning to optimize performance and reduce risk  
• Manage production for both apparel and non-apparel related accessories and hard good categories
• Monitor and analyse production KPIs (on-time delivery, quality etc) and implement continuous improvements. 
• Troubleshoot and proactively resolve production issues. Finding solutions to meet compressed deadlines  
• Ensure compliance with all company and product regulatory standards are met 
• Manage approval of all labelling needs (i.e. Care labels and GSPR labels)  
• Work with vendors and compliance to ensure all products meet proper standards and testing needs   
• Collaborate with logistics to ensure smooth product flows and timely deliveries  
• Manage internal WIP reporting for cross functional and management visibility 
• Manage both Quick turn projects as well as longer lead time custom products. 
• Review reports and recommend solutions to exceptions within sourcing and development needs. 
• Work closely with the E-Commerce Consumer Engagement team to help facilitate the launch of new styles and programs on an artist’s web-store with all proper information of product details and production schedules 
• Manage any required fabric commitments and blank commitments   
• Elevate and communicate high risk potential order problems and issues as appropriate 
• Help drive the sourcing of new vendors for new and existing categories.   
• Travel as needed to factories and vendors to monitor production or build relationships. 

Bring your VIBE:

• Strong negotiation, vendor management, and leadership skills  
• Experience with non-apparel related accessories and Hard good accessories
• Detail oriented with strong follow through – ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects 
• Knowledge and understanding of fabrics, construction and print techniques 
• Exceptional Microsoft Suite proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Proficient in production tracking systems such as PLM tools and excel 
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment 
• Strong Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills 
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build and maintain relationships 
• Flexible and adaptable; priorities change frequently based on business demands, the ability to change direction quickly is critical 
• Strong long term strategic planning capability 
• Effective verbal and written skills  
• 5 + years of experience in apparel production or product development 
• Bachelor’s degree required 

Perks Playlist:

• Be part of an entrepreneurial, global organization that values authenticity, drive, creativity, relationships, and a competitive spirit

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA options, as well as:

  • 100% coverage for out-patient mental health services

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • A lifetime fertility support allowance of $30,000 to plan participants

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 100% immediately vested 401(k) match on the first 5% of your contribution on eligible compensation

• Variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

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Job Category:

Salary Range:

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.  All candidates are encouraged to apply.