Operations Manager - India (8 month contract)
We're hiring for an exciting new Operations Manager to be based in Chennai!
We usually respond within two weeks
The Operations Manager – India will lead an exciting new project to engage with manufacturers in India. As part of the Asia-based Commercialization and Manufacturing team your task will be to launch new products and ensure they are commercialized, produced, and delivered in-line with FitFlop Product and Brand Standards, and on-time. Familiar with new BIS requirements for production, it will be your responsibility to ensure products are manufactured to the higher standards. The role is for an initial 8 months to be reviewed as the project progresses.
The Responsibilities:
Product Development:
- Your initial focus will be to re-develop product with new manufacturers in India to include seasonal project development, with ability to analyze lasts, read and revise technical mold drawings and blue prints per industry standards
- Under the direction of the Development Director, you’ll develop samples through product specifications, from concept briefs to product confirmation for assigned models
- Leads upper pattern development through confirmation of sample size with respect to manufacturability, fit, function, costing, and aesthetics
- Be an expert resource during development to identify and alleviate potential manufacturing, efficiency, or costing concerns on key models
- Follow established timelines with specific target dates to ensure samples are delivered to schedule. Provide weekly progress reports to Development Director
- Drives the product integrity through extensive fit and wear testing programs and material testing
- Support fit and wear testing throughout the development and fit approval process
- Manages costing objectives as outlined by the costing team This entails supplying the necessary information needed for pre-costing exercises during review of product briefs, through tech package development and final pricing
- Support the research and feasibility of local raw materials
- Actively works with suppliers on new materials, components, and procedures to be made available in Indian factory
Commercialization:
- Engage in cutting die and stock fitting trial to ensure all dies and components are graded correctly
- Lead PPT (Pre-Production Trial) to ensure all queries are resolved before production starts
- Verify Platinum/Confirmation Sample matches the correct specification and the FitFlop Aesthetic, Fit, Quality standard
- Confirm Full Sizes Run samples from Pre-Production Trial are made to fit according to Platinum Sample
- Work closely with Material on approval of all material / componentry, relevant colour windows, finishing standards available for factory Pre-Production Meeting
- Manage Pre-Production Trial schedule with factory for on time ex-factory day
- Approve model specific Process Flowchart and SOP (Standard Operation Procedure), critical measurements as part of quality plan
Quality:
- Manage FitFlop production is consistent with the Platinum sample and is manufactured to FF physical requirements
- Check all incoming materials and components for compliance with materials used for Platinum sample
- Communicate/Monitor FitFlop testing standards to factory on material/components, and whole shoe testing requirement
- Conduct AQL audit/100% inspection on all PO’s to verify product conforms to FitFlop quality standards
- Lead IPT (Initial Production Trial) of new style to ensure proper execution of action plan from PP Meeting Report
- Report AQL activities and AQL analysis by production line and factory
- Resolve quality issues using root cause analysis and corrective action tools
- Support social compliance initiatives, drive corrective action plan with supplier via nominated 3rd party audit result
Production (OTIF):
- Enforce factory submitting accurate WIP report from cutting to assembly process, verify weekly production plan with supplier planning team
- Monitor production plans to ensure OTIF remains uncompromised, report on variances and any associated risks
- Attend and provide input in Weekly Risk Review Meeting
- Track product status across all stages in product development from Visual to Platinum seal, fit approval status to meet Buy-Ready requirement
- Through liaison with the Materials Manager ensure all leathers and materials are due to be delivered to meet the cutting plans
BIS Management:
- BIS Regulatory Compliance: Manage the entire BIS certification process for all vendors (domestic and international) to ensure they meet the latest Indian government standards and requirements
- Central Communication Hub: Serve as the central point of contact for internal and external communication on all matters related to the BIS program
- Product Licensing and Cost Management: Analyze the product portfolio to identify BIS license requirements for production in India. Compile cost estimates and secure necessary approvals from management for pursuing BIS certification
- CKD (Component Program) Management: (if applicable) Manage CKD programs with Indian factories, coordinating component sourcing from domestic and international vendors
- Vendor Onboarding and Compliance: Collaborate with the BIS consultancy agency to onboard new vendors into the supply chain, ensuring they adhere to BIS compliance standards
- Risk Management and Proactive Communication: Proactively identify and escalate potential risks that could delay product development or production
- Executive Reporting: Provide high-level reports to management on product development and production timelines
The Person:
- Extensive experience in footwear development, commercialization, production and quality, with in depth understanding of manufacturing processes, pattern engineering, fitting, mould making, construction, materials
- In depth understanding of quality assurance / control and testing protocols
- End to End management of BIS norms for India and Overseas suppliers for product import into India
- Detailed knowledge of supply chain planning & lead-time processing
- Strong numerical, analytical, problem solving and negotiation skills
- Challenge and continuously seek improvement in all aspects of manufacturing management, to ensure OTIF delivery
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with different international cultures and working to deadlines
- Ability to create consensus and work cooperatively with a team
- Frequent travel domestically and internationally as needed
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- IT skills: MS Office mandatory with advanced Excel, PLM / PDM knowledge preferred
Work Environment.
This position is based in Chennai, India, with travel as necessary. This person will be hired as a Contractor and will therefore be responsible for their own invoicing and tax declaration. This will be explained by the People Team if selected for interview.
- Department
- Supply Chain & Operations
- Locations
- Chennai
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
- Employment type
- Contract
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Operations Manager - India (8 month contract)
We're hiring for an exciting new Operations Manager to be based in Chennai!
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