Job Abstract

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 Product Operations serves as a key member of the Operations team. They are responsible for identifying and implementing process optimization to support the product development lifecycle and sourcing for J. Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell. This role oversees the Calendars for the J. Crew and Factory brands. This is a highly collaborative role that works closely with Merchandising, Design, Planning, Sourcing, Tech Design, Marketing, Logistics, Legal, IT, and our Hong Kong office.  This role must be able to translate complex topics or problems into understandable formats to support the Sourcing, Merchandising, and Design Organizations and J.Crew Group in achieving department and organization goals. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with business partners to help drive strategy and process improvements needed to support the Long-Range Plan and evolve with the changing business; including, supporting implementation, selectively and temporarily, for mission critical initiatives
• Serve as internal management consulting resource to address special projects.
• Support execution of internal cross-functional alignment meetings:  Weekly Milestone Meetings, Quarterly Business Review Meetings, Quarterly Global Sourcing Town Halls. 
• Travel internationally as needed to support key initiatives.
• Critical leader on the Product Operations team, but also a thought partner for the cross-functional teams and leaders.
• Excellent team leader and skilled at building and leading high performing teams.

Calendar Management

• Partner with Cross-Functional leadership to align on Seasonal Calendar.
• Partner with logistics team to stay current on global shipping environment as it relates to impacts to the product development calendar, process, and business
• Continue to seek ways to optimize the process and drive agility internally and with our suppliers.
• Create, adjust, and update the seasonal calendars for J. Crew and Factory brands, with support from direct report

Cross-functional Process

• Partner with Sourcing, Merchandising, and Design Leadership to identify opportunities to create efficiencies and process documentation to support the teams in the product development.
• Drive the planning, execution, and communication of new or updated internal and supplier facing processes.
• Manage key initiatives, projects and priorities to achieve business goals and EBITDA impact
• Work closely with cross-functional teams and leadership to ensure that the short- and long-range departmental objectives are consistent with company vision and strategy.
• Track and manage product development action items to ensure progress is being made by the appropriate individuals or business functions.
• Implement changes and evolve the business functions in concert with the Senior Director and SVP of Product Operations

Vendor Management

• Lead key Supplier meetings to facilitate strong communication.
• Support the establishment and management of strategic vendor partnerships that mutually support the business while minimizing costs and maximizing efficiencies
• Establish and support the execution of robust vendor on-boarding to engage Vendors in strategies and overall objectives
• Establish and support the execution of robust vendor training to educate suppliers on J. Crew policies and procedures
• Lead and support internal training and refresher sessions to internal teams on J. Crew policies and procedures

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent required. MBA a plus.
• 10-15 years previous related work experience.
• Comprehensive background in apparel sourcing from pre-production to production especially Time and Action and Calendar management
• Deep understanding of product development cycles, sourcing and supply chain management
• Experience with 3D, PLM, EDI, and other Sourcing and Product Development systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to senior executives and large groups
• Strong background in developing and maintaining vendor and supplier relationships
• Results orientation – tenacity, determination and drive to solve problems and create solutions despite challenges and obstacles
• Ability to maintain a global perspective.
• Ability to influence key members of the organization; a team player with the capability to work across different stakeholder groups and hierarchies
• Excellent PowerPoint and other presentation skills
• Must be detail-oriented
• Accountable for the delivery of outcomes, strives to meet and exceed expectations
• Capable of adapting easily to changing situations demonstrating flexibility in juggling priorities
• Previous Consulting experience a plus
• Mastery of analytics and KPI metrics
• Experience with PLM, Power Bi

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.

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.