About SET Active
SET Active is a fast-paced, growing women's athleisure startup known for delivering elevated everyday essentials designed for movement, comfort, and lifestyle. We're a small but mighty team with big ambitions-and we're looking for a strategic, solutions-oriented, and collaborative production leader to take us to the next level.
Position Summary
As the Vice President of Production, you'll lead and evolve SET Active's end-to-end production strategy, overseeing both domestic and international sourcing, development, manufacturing, and quality control. You will drive operational excellence across timelines, cost management, margin improvement, and resource optimization-ensuring we meet business goals while maintaining our high standards for quality and brand integrity.
This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring deep experience in apparel production and a passion for team leadership. You will oversee a team across production, design, and technical design and serve as a key cross-functional partner to finance, marketing, operations, and executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Production Strategy & Operations
- Lead and evolve the full production lifecycle from development to delivery, with oversight of domestic and overseas vendors
- Develop and execute production calendars to meet seasonal deadlines and product launch requirements.
- Create scalable systems and tools to optimize production workflow, visibility, and vendor management.
- Own cost negotiation and margin analysis; identify opportunities for savings while upholding quality and fit.
- Manage capacity planning across vendors; balance nearshore and overseas factory allocation.
- Drive strategic sourcing efforts and identify new vendor partners aligned with brand goals.
Team Leadership
- Manage and mentor a high-performing team.
- Cultivate a collaborative, empowered, and performance-driven team culture.
- Set clear goals and development plans; drive accountability and continuous improvement.
Vendor Management & Quality Control
- Conduct regular factory visits and in-person meetings to resolve issues, reinforce timelines, and align product quality expectations.
- Maintain strong communication with dye houses and vendors to ensure accuracy of color, fabric, and finishing.
- Lead issue resolution for late work-in-progress (WIP), flagging root causes, business impact, and proposing solutions.
- Implement and monitor quality control standards across all stages of production.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary production point of contact to finance, marketing, and operations teams.
- Partner with finance to own cost inputs and deliver on margin targets.
- Work closely with marketing and merchandising to align on product launches and readiness.
- Ensure seamless communication across teams to support calendar adherence and operational alignment.
Development & Innovation
- Challenge and iterate on product development plans when needed; bring new solutions to roadblocks.
- Stay informed of innovation in fabrics, processes, and production technologies to drive continuous improvement.
- Provide fabric content, care instructions, and product sizing information to internal teams as needed.
Travel
- Approximately 5-10% of travel is required for domestic factory visits, production issue resolution, or sourcing trips.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in apparel production, with at least 3+ years in a senior leadership role (startup or fast-growing brand preferred).
- Proven track record managing domestic and international production with excellence in quality, timeline, and cost control.
- Deep experience in sourcing, vendor negotiations, and margin improvement.
- Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing, garment construction, dyeing, finishing, and technical development.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams across disciplines (production, technical design, and design).
- Strong business acumen with the ability to balance brand quality with operational and financial goals.
- Confident, clear communicator with exceptional problem-solving skills.
- High level of ownership, initiative, and accountability.
Additional Information
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change over time as business needs evolve.
SET Active is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources Manager at
Michelle.Marquis@setactive.co so we can support you in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
