Head of Product Development and Production

At Happy Socks we have made it our mission to spread happiness everywhere, and you only have to spend a few minutes with us to realize how seriously we take it!

We are looking for a dynamic leader as the Head of Product Development and Production, a key hire responsible for managing the product development and production teams as well as leading the strategy, overall planning and development of the Happy Socks supplier base and all aspects of product development from initial tech pack through to the final product in production. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

The right candidate for this role is a self-starter with a strong sense of initiative and a hands-on leader with passion for both product and process. Our way-of-working is ‘factory direct’ with current suppliers located in Turkey and Asia and includes driving sourcing projects, innovation insights, sampling activities, production capacity bookings, quality assurance work and implementation of sustainability strategies scope 3.

This is a great opportunity steering overall planning of product development work and production and sourcing strategies in an international environment for a global brand like Happy Socks. Our vibrant ‘Happy Crew’ consists of 150 colourful and creative characters from all over the world (25+ nationalities, and counting!). You will be based at our Stockholm office, where our product development team is located.

Task & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the strategy and overall planning and development of Happy Socks supplier base with respect to product development, sales plans, production capabilities and capacities as well as quality assurance and sustainability processes and guidelines
• Secure a resilient and cost competitive supply base including sourcing and onboarding of new suppliers globally for all current and future Happy Socks products
• A thorough understanding of product costing and margin with a proven track record of successful cost negotiations
• Deep understanding of the product development process and milestones including the entire product lifecycle and the ability to pivot where needed for betterment of the product and or business
• Secure procedures and methods for closely monitoring production, ensuring quality and delivery requirements are met by suppliers
• Mentor, develop and lead a team of product developers and international production office members, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity where each team member contributes to both strategic discussions and hands-on development
• Nurture and build strong relationships with cross functional teams including design, planning, logistics, assortment, purchase, finance, marketing and sales teams, to ensure successful and purposeful product launches
  
  

Experience & Skills Required

• University degree in the field of textiles or similar experience
• 7+ years’ production and sourcing experience in the apparel/textile industry and excellent knowledge of sustainability and CSR
• Extensive international network within textile production
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in an environment with external partners and senior stakeholders
• Strong understanding on how to drive ambitious timelines around development and introduction of new products and materials
• Experience of decision making based on data and proof points as well as a natural drive to systemise and digitalise working processes
• Experience from working with PLM systems, Delogue is a plus
  
  

But most importantly, you have the personality to fit a fun work environment where we believe in color and playfulness, a place where you can expect the unexpected and you are a source of creative weirdness.

Interested, and fitting into this profile? We would love to hear from you as soon as possible since we’re going through applications continually!

Happy Socks aims to spread happiness by turning an everyday essential into a colorful design piece. The business is built on foundations of rigid quality standards, craftsmanship and creativity that are transferred into the products by a talented team of creatives. The products feature endless variations of models and designs, using a broad spectrum of color combinations and original patterns.