Senior Specialist, Sourcing Operations

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Specialist, Sourcing Operations based in Brazil.

This role offers an opportunity to lead and optimize production operations across a portfolio of apparel manufacturing facilities in Brazil. You will oversee end-to-end production performance, ensuring factories meet quality standards, delivery timelines, and operational targets. Working closely with factory management and internal teams, you will resolve production challenges, strengthen manufacturing processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives. You will also provide technical guidance and mentorship to production specialists while helping factories adopt automation and more efficient working methods. Through data analysis, risk assessment, and quality management collaboration, you will contribute to product excellence and responsible sourcing practices. This position suits a proactive, technically skilled professional who thrives in a fast-paced, multicultural environment and is willing to travel frequently to factory sites.

Accountabilities

• Oversee production operations: Monitor end-to-end production activities across assigned factories, ensuring compliance with quality standards, production schedules, and operational expectations.

• Coach and mentor teams: Provide technical guidance, coaching, and best-practice sharing to production specialists and factory personnel to strengthen operational capabilities.

• Participate in risk assessment and pre-production: Contribute to risk assessment and pre-production meetings by identifying potential issues and recommending actions to protect product quality, performance, and compliance with brand standards.

• Maintain quality standards: Partner with Quality Management (QM) teams to ensure factories follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and product specifications throughout mass production, maintaining approved quality, aesthetics, and performance.

• Monitor production KPIs: Track key performance indicators, identify gaps, and implement actions to improve productivity, efficiency, and operational results.

• Validate production planning: Collaborate with internal teams and factory planning departments to review production schedules and support on-time production (OTP) targets.

• Make real-time operational decisions: Address production bottlenecks through measures such as production line balancing, process adjustments, and automation recommendations.

• Supervise high-risk production launches: Oversee production start-up for high-risk styles in partnership with Quality Management teams to ensure products meet established quality and performance expectations.

• Resolve daily production issues: Take ownership of challenges such as material delays, low output, and process disruptions, coordinating with factory partners and internal stakeholders to implement timely solutions.

• Support responsible sourcing initiatives: Work with responsible sourcing operations teams to verify completion of social and environmental corrective action plans and support programs such as the Higg Index, WCD, and LABS.

• Facilitate automation and process changes: Provide on-site support for automation adoption, process improvements, and changes to manufacturing operations.

• Prepare operational reporting: Develop production reports and management insights, using data analytics to identify performance trends and improvement opportunities.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions: Partner with Quality Management teams to investigate quality claims, participate in corrective action plan (CAP) reviews, and ensure corrective measures are implemented and effective.

• Promote continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to strengthen factory performance, operational consistency, and production processes across the assigned manufacturing portfolio.

Requirements:

• Relevant professional experience: Approximately 4–6 years of experience in production operations, manufacturing, or technical roles.

• Manufacturing and product knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of the relevant product category, including manufacturing processes, materials, construction methods, and production requirements.

• Technical expertise: Experience in product development or technical functions is an advantage.

• Factory operations experience: Familiarity with production planning, quality management, factory performance monitoring, and manufacturing process improvement.

• International collaboration: Experience working with overseas factories and multicultural factory management teams is desirable.

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field is preferred; an MBA is an advantage.

• Analytical and organizational skills: Strong ability to interpret data, monitor performance indicators, identify root causes, and prioritize operational improvements.

• Problem-solving and decision-making: Ability to manage complex situations, resolve conflicting priorities, make sound decisions, and perform effectively under pressure.

• Communication and relationship management: Excellent communication skills and the ability to build productive relationships with factory teams, internal stakeholders, and colleagues across global markets.

• Technical tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and production planning tools.

• Language proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Additional language skills, particularly Vietnamese, Khmer, or Mandarin, are an advantage.

• Travel flexibility: Willingness and ability to travel extensively to manufacturing facilities within the assigned region.

• Leadership and mindset: Strong personal and professional integrity, a consumer-focused approach, curiosity, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

• Cross-cultural awareness: Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive approach.

• Personal attributes: A proactive, energetic, and motivated attitude, with a passion for products, operational excellence, and continuous learning.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven global business and support initiatives that positively impact communities worldwide.

• Collaborative environment with diverse, experienced colleagues and an inclusive global mindset.

• Workplace flexibility and well-being policies designed to support employees' emotional, physical, and social well-being.

• Opportunities to contribute to production innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and responsible sourcing initiatives.

• Professional development through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and exposure to global production operations.

• Opportunity to mentor colleagues, influence factory performance, and contribute to continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.