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VP, Operations

Company

Based in Lawrence, MA, 99Degrees was founded in 2013 with a vision to transform apparel manufacturing into an advanced manufacturing industry. We are a US contract manufacturer producing technical stretch knit activewear for global and high growth emerging brands. We offer advanced concept, small batch and quick-turn services. We have been recognized with top prizes from MIT’s Inclusive Innovation Competition, MassChallenge and EforAll business accelerators and have been featured by NPR, PRI, MSNBC, and the Boston Globe.

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Summary

99Degrees is hiring a VP, Operations to join our CEO at our helm to grow our transformative model of apparel manufacturing. We’re looking for exemplary apparel industry leadership, strategic planning and operational excellence as well as a track record in manufacturing innovation, lean transformation, and financial and KPI management. Our ideal candidate:

  • shares our Future Factory vision;

  • is motivated to build, operationalize, and lead the strategy needed to achieve it;

  • embodies our company culture;

  • is well suited to transform a strong startup into a world class model of advanced apparel manufacturing, here in the US.

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Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY

  • Develop and implement a manufacturing, operations, and supply chain strategy aligned with 99Degrees’ Future Factory vision and growth plans.

  • Responsible for internal communication of vision, strategy and operational objectives.

  • Drive standard work and continuous improvement across the company using Key Performance Indicator (KPI) metrics and other systems of maintaining measurement and accountability.

  • Plan and budget for the operational infrastructure needed to support strategy and rapid growth.

  • Adjust strategy based on market demand shifts, future trends, and strategic customer demand.

 

TEAM BUILDING AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

  • Consistently lead by example. Develop programs and cultivate approaches that realize 99Degree’s goal of being a great place to work. Drive workforce motivation, employee engagement, and open communication culture throughout the company.

  • Identify hires, recruitment criteria, training, and team building needed to grow our team and advance each 99Degrees value stream. Participate in interviewing key hires.

  • Coach and mentor. Perform bi-annual direct report evaluations to complement coaching.

  • Set clear, measurable, and well-communicated management goals. Drive managers and team to continuously improve in KPI metrics and achieve strategic goals.

 

MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE & QUALITY

  • Accountable for overall financial performance of the company, focusing on revenue recognition, cost management, working capital management, and cash flow objectives.

  • Research, plan, and execute investments to advance Future Factory vision, reduce costs, improve quality, increase throughput, strengthen process controls, and drive efficiencies.

  • Responsible for ensuring that production planning, scheduling, inventory management, innovation and development, production, quality, and accounts management are in sync to achieve operational metrics, exceed customer expectations, and actualize Future Factory vision.  

  • Identify risks. Promote programs and process controls that ensure 100% compliance with all company policies and procedures including health, safety, and quality programs.

  • Establish a customer first mindset throughout 99Degrees. Serve as the customer advocate in prioritizing and resolving issues. Drive continuous improvement based on market feedback.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

  • Leverage strategic partnerships, develop capital budget, and lead strategy to position 99Degrees to meet future US apparel manufacturing demand.

  • Introduce and implement new practices, technology, systems, and processes to advance vision.

  • Maintain and expand upon industry expertise to support US manufacturing growth opportunity.

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Skills & Experience

  • Previous Plant Management experience or equivalent, inclusive of minimum 10 years of progressive apparel manufacturing operations experience with direct responsibility for lean transformation.

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical field required, or equivalent experience. MBA preferred.

  • Strong knowledge of quality theory, continuous improvement and Lean methodologies.

  • Experience developing and implementing a high-growth operational strategy.

  • Ability to lead in a changing high-growth startup environment. Willingness to wear multiple hats and roll up sleeves.

  • Track record of team building, coaching and leading with open communication approach.

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

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Logistics

  • Full time Salaried.

  • Compensation based upon experience

  • 99Degrees is an equal opportunity employer.

  • To apply, email resume and cover letter to hello@99degreescustom.com.

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