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Director Production - Non-Apparel (Footwear & Accessories)

Our Story

We make modern classics with character. We believe in true timelessness, the integrity of well-made clothes, and since our inception, great quality at a great price. That’s in our DNA.

But, we know it’s not only about the clothes—it’s about the feeling it gives the people who wear them, whether they’re confidently giving a presentation in a well-tailored suit; basking in long salty beach days in vibrant, colorful sun-soaked swimsuits, or joyfully re-discovering their favorite Rollneck sweater in their closet again and again, season after season.

And ultimately, it’s about helping our customers be the best, most authentic versions of themselves.

And that’s what we’re after, to inspire people’s lives and style.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

The Director of Production – Non-Apparel (Footwear, Bags, Accessories and Jewelry) oversees production operations across these key categories, ensuring best-in-class sourcing, quality, and cost management. This position is critical in driving production strategy, developing strong vendor partnerships, and implementing sourcing initiatives that align with the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. The Director will support the J.Crew and Factory brand.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a global team overseeing Footwear, Bags, Accessories and Jewelry, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence.
  • Act as the company’s production expert across non-apparel categories, guiding sourcing, material selection, and quality control.
  • Develop and execute category-specific sourcing strategies, collaborating with Design, Merchandising, Quality, and Technical teams.
  • Oversee cost negotiations and margin targets, ensuring competitive pricing and supplier efficiency.
  • Partner closely with vendors and manufacturers to drive innovation, sustainable practices, and quality compliance.
  • Manage and optimize the end-to-end production lifecycle, ensuring timelines align with business objectives and go-to-market strategies.
  • Implement process improvements and system adherence to streamline sourcing, costing, and production workflows.

Qualifications Required:

  • 12+ years of experience in non-apparel production, with a strong focus on footwear, bags, and jewelry.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
  • Expertise in materials sourcing, vendor negotiations, and global supply chain management.
  • Demonstrated success in managing international vendor relationships, particularly in Asia and Europe.
  • Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of developing high-performing teams.
  • Proficiency in PLM systems, Excel, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Willingness to travel internationally and domestically as needed.

Preferred:

  • Experience in sustainable sourcing and ethical production practices.
  • Knowledge of luxury and contemporary market positioning in non-apparel categories.

We welcome you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes. Our passion is scouting life-long learners who are driven by curiosity, and who feel connected to our brands and share our desire to make an impact. We’re always seeking bright new talent who leverage their unique experiences to discover, grow and evolve with our teams.

Benefits + Perks

  • Health & Well-being - Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.

  • Associate Discount - We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

  • Flex Fridays - In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday year-round.

  • Community Impact - We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

  • Winter Break - In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

Salary Range: $170,400.00 - $213,000.00

At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.  The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.

One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

 

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.

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CEO of J. Crew
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Average salary estimate

$191700 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$170400K
$213000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Director Production - Non-Apparel (Footwear & Accessories), J. Crew

At J.Crew Group, we're all about crafting modern classics that resonate with authenticity and character, and that's why we're on the lookout for a passionate Director of Production – Non-Apparel (Footwear & Accessories) to join our New York, NY headquarters. In this vital role, you'll oversee the production operations for our Footwear, Bags, Accessories, and Jewelry categories, ensuring that our products not only meet the highest standards of quality but also align with our commitment to sustainable practices. Picture yourself leading a dynamic global team, mentoring them to achieve operational excellence while actively driving the strategy for production that reflects our core values of quality, innovation, and inclusivity. You'll collaborate across various teams, from Design to Merchandising, to implement robust sourcing strategies that resonate with our brand ethos. Negotiating costs and ensuring supplier efficiency will be at the heart of your focus, alongside fostering impactful relationships with vendors and manufacturers worldwide. If you have a wealth of experience in non-apparel production, especially in footwear and accessories, this role could be the perfect fit for you. Our ideal candidate boasts 12+ years of experience in this field, excels at managing international vendor relationships, and embodies strong leadership skills. If you're eager to work in an organization that truly values diversity, equity, and sustainability, we'd love to hear from you. The salary range for this position is competitive, reflecting our commitment to rewarding talent and dedication, all the while ensuring that throughout your journey with us, you're supported with great benefits and a culture that champions belonging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director Production - Non-Apparel (Footwear & Accessories) Role at J. Crew
What are the main responsibilities of the Director of Production - Non-Apparel at J.Crew Group?

The Director of Production - Non-Apparel at J.Crew Group is responsible for overseeing all production operations catering to footwear, bags, accessories, and jewelry. This includes leading a global team, developing sourcing strategies in collaboration with various departments, managing vendor relationships, negotiating costs, ensuring quality compliance, and implementing process improvements. Driving innovation and sustainability in sourcing practices is also a critical aspect of the role.

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What qualifications are required for the Director of Production - Non-Apparel position at J.Crew Group?

Candidates for the Director of Production - Non-Apparel position at J.Crew Group should have a minimum of 12 years of experience in non-apparel production, particularly in footwear and accessories. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Product Development or Supply Chain Management is required. Expertise in materials sourcing, global supply chain management, and demonstrated success in vendor relationship management, especially in Asia and Europe, are preferred qualifications.

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How does J.Crew Group support sustainability in the Director of Production - Non-Apparel role?

Sustainability is a core commitment at J.Crew Group, especially within the Director of Production - Non-Apparel role. The successful candidate will focus on sourcing materials and production practices that are sustainable and ethical. This includes fostering vendor partnerships that prioritize environmentally friendly practices, driving innovations that reduce environmental impact, and implementing strategies aligned with the brand’s sustainability mission.

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What can a candidate expect in terms of employee benefits at J.Crew Group?

A candidate accepted for the Director of Production - Non-Apparel role at J.Crew Group can expect an attractive benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as family planning support. Additionally, there is a great associate discount for their brands, flex Fridays for enhanced work-life balance, and a special winter break at the end of December, along with various community impact initiatives.

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Is previous experience with luxury brands important for the Director of Production - Non-Apparel role at J.Crew Group?

While not mandatory, prior experience with luxury brands can be beneficial for candidates applying for the Director of Production - Non-Apparel role at J.Crew Group. Knowledge of luxury and contemporary market positioning in non-apparel categories can provide valuable insights into product development and customer expectations, enabling effective management of production strategies aligned with the brand's vision.

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Common Interview Questions for Director Production - Non-Apparel (Footwear & Accessories)
Can you describe your experience managing global vendor relationships in footwear production?

When answering this question, provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with international vendors, particularly in footwear production. Highlight your communication skills, negotiation tactics, and examples of how you overcame challenges in these relationships to ensure the production timeline and quality standards were met.

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How do you ensure sustainability in production practices?

To effectively answer this question, discuss any relevant strategies or initiatives you've implemented to improve sustainability within the production lifecycle. This could include examples of sustainable sourcing, waste reduction techniques, or partnerships with vendors that prioritize environmentally friendly practices. Show your passion and commitment to sustainability.

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What strategies do you use for cost negotiation and margin management in production?

When addressing this question, outline your approach to cost negotiation, including research, understanding supplier capabilities, and building mutually beneficial relationships. Provide examples of successful negotiations and how they positively impacted overall margin targets while maintaining quality.

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How do you oversee the end-to-end production lifecycle effectively?

Focus on discussing the mechanisms you employ to monitor and optimize each phase of the production lifecycle. Mention project management tools, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and adaptability to changing market demands, emphasizing your proactive nature in mitigating potential delays.

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Can you give an example of a successful sourcing strategy you’ve implemented?

In response to this question, share a specific sourcing strategy that resulted in improved quality or cost reductions. Describe the steps taken, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with other departments to ensure successful implementation and alignment with brand goals.

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What role does data play in your decision-making process in production?

Discuss the importance of leveraging data in your role as a Director of Production. Mention tools or systems you use to analyze data, how it informs your sourcing decisions, and how it enables data-driven decision-making to improve production outcomes.

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How do you mentor and develop high-performing teams?

Emphasize your leadership philosophy and approach to team development. Share frameworks you use for mentoring team members, how you identify potential leaders within your team, and examples of past success stories you’ve fostered within the team.

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What challenges have you faced in non-apparel production and how did you overcome them?

Identify specific challenges you've experienced in non-apparel production, such as supply chain disruptions or quality issues. Explain your approach to addressing these challenges, focusing on problem-solving skills and resilience.

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How do you keep up with trends in footwear and accessories production?

Outline methods you use to stay updated on industry trends, such as attending trade shows, subscribing to relevant publications, and networking with other industry professionals. Emphasize your continuous learning mindset and how you apply this knowledge to keep J.Crew Group competitive in the market.

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What makes you a great fit for the Director of Production - Non-Apparel role at J.Crew Group?

This is your chance to summarize your qualifications and express your enthusiasm for the role. Highlight your relevant experience, accomplishments, and alignment with J.Crew Group's values, particularly around sustainability, diversity, and inclusive workplace culture.

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