International Production Division Owner
Nathan James- Posted : 4 years ago
Nathan James is looking for an International Production Division Owner to join our team and lead the division that runs our overseas production, build vendor relationships and manage the production coordination, R&D, and quality control groups.
People-first company, design-first home.
We are a design-first, home furnishing company focusing on the habits of urban dwellers and first time home buyers. We pride ourselves on the best in class customer happiness, providing the highest possible quality products that are affordable for the majority and assembly that isn't dreadful.
As a people-first company, we understood from day one the importance of being fully distributed. We encourage everyone to work in whichever manner that helps them perform their best.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
International Production Division Owner will be responsible for leading, growing, and coaching the International Production Division and building up strong Group Leads (leaders of groups). This division focuses on supporting the product development division in executing product designs; Maintain and grow vendor relationships, ensure our product quality standards are being met and delivery timelines are achieved. Both the product development division and international production division report to the product function.
Once up to speed, the International Production Division Owner will spend a significant portion of their time working on high-impact projects to create efficiencies in production activities that enhance the customers' product experience, streamline inter-divisional communication, support short and long term strategy, and make staffing decisions. Ensure our products meet regulations.
The remainder of your time will be spent in troubleshooting day-to-day concerns, coaching the team’s Group Leads, auditing your division’s performance relative to KPIs and SOP’s, conducting performance reviews, and analyzing data to provide monthly insight to senior leadership regarding areas to improve and performance.
The International Production Division Owner will have frequent communication with all our vendors and plan at least four trips a year to meet vendors in person and address current challenges.
The majority of our business today comes from China and Vietnam (developing knock-down furniture) where our current processes have rarely been questioned or challenged. You will be expected to audit these procedures and make adjustments and continue to evolve as needed - to ensure we are setting a Nathan James standard that meets our mission. These procedures require clear documentation/mechanisms. The International Production Division Owner will play a critical role in defining how we can deliver world-class customer experiences to our customers, the roles we need to hire, the procedures and processes that govern this division, and the KPI’s that will guide and measure our performance.
ABOUT US:
We have a rhythm to our work and a very low turnover rate — we have yet to have a single team member opt out. Your voice matters to us. We make change from fresh perspectives and appreciate new viewpoints, so you should feel comfortable speaking up about your values and goals.
We’re ready for the ongoing work that goes into building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best work of your career. Our values, workplace and our benefits are designed to support a sustainable, healthy relationship with your work. Our operating values provide the framework we use in building a healthy, resilient organization.
You can expect a mindful onboarding process with ramp-up and time to learn. You can expect a team that listens, and to be heard. You can expect to give and provide direct feedback. You can expect to work with good people. You can expect to be counted on. You can expect to do your best work and build a career here.
ABOUT YOU:
You have a creative approach to problem-solving and have exemplary time management skills. You can handle multiple tasks daily. You are passionate about the product and zealous about the people you work with. Your leadership style is one of coaching, and your strength behavior is action. You are curious about how things are being managed, and your fresh eyes will be an asset in implementing new systems. You have experience in sourcing, managing vendor relations, auditing cost sheets, implementing quality standards, team building, and team management. You understand the intricacies of supply chain management and have outstanding communication abilities, both verbal and written. You can audit vendor performance and can build/execute performance improvement plans.
We would like to see at a minimum of three years experience in similar finished consumer goods customer support roles. You may have a degree or you might not. That’s not what we’re looking for. We care about what you can do and how you do it.
KEY SKILLS:
- You have 3+ years of experience in international production and supply chain management.
- You have good communication skills. Strong verbal and written competency in Chinese & English, and excellent interpersonal and customer relations skills.
- You are confident in your decision making and have great leadership skills.
- You are an effective planner, have exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- You take ownership and are accountable.
- You are curious and want to improve the processes.
- You have strong emotional intelligence.
- You do not fear feedback.
- You must have 5+ years experience in hard goods (preferable products that have multiple components)
- You are familiar with promotional items
- You have management experience and know the importance of a healthy culture & work environment
- You have experience reporting and collaborating directly with a Western office & boss
- You have experience being the bridge between international and western office
- You know how to leverage their team & network for sourcing needs
This is a remote role, since we are a remote company! You’re free to work where you work best, anywhere in the world: home office, coworking space, coffee shops or in Montreal. While we currently have an office in Montreal, you should be comfortable working remotely—most of the company does! That hinges on effective writing, self-discipline, and comfort with open communication.
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Our benefits are all aimed at supporting a life well lived both at work and away from work. We’re all about reasonable working hours, sharing, ample vacation time, wellness, education, comfort, and giving back. We offer competitive salaries, for a similar role in the country you will be working from.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit an application here that speaks directly to this position. There are no right answers or cookie-cutter expectations. A cover letter is not required, but those that clearly demonstrate how Nathan James would be a great fit for you and how you would be a great fit for us, will be given full attention and are highly appreciated.
We’re accepting applications until October 27th, 2020.
You’ll hear from us about advancement to a video screen and then on to a work sample, where you’ll get a chance to see the types of challenges you would be solving in this role. Our interviews are all remote by Whereby video chat (no software needed), with your future colleagues, on your schedule.
We appreciate your consideration into having Nathan James be part of your career.Our open conversation starts with this post. We look forward to hearing from you.
Check us out on LinkedIn here!
Skills
- product design
- supply chain
- chinese
- english
