Head of Production and Design - Norse Projects

Norse Projects seeks a new Head of Production and Design to join our Management Team.

Since 2004, Norse Projects has drawn upon its Scandinavian roots to inform a design language that supports an infrastructure for a highly adaptable wardrobe.

Drawing from naturalistic reference points, innovative materials cater to heightened functionality, while minimal yet distinctive basics extend a seasonal range of endless outfitting options. A dedication to quality garments lies at the heart of Norse Projects, underscoring the maxim: created for life - good for all seasons.

The position

As Head of Production and Design, you will lead the design and sourcing teams to plan, source, develop, and innovate unique products & fabrications at the intersection of the ultramodern and the classic.

As part of the Management Team, you will play a central role in the overall development of the business.

The right candidate has considerable experience with high-end products and innovative techniques, including a broad experience in production, line-planning, costing, and merchandising.

You will work with all stakeholders across design and sourcing and lead production and product development efforts to ensure that our products are always relevant and at the forefront of innovation and commercial relevance for an informed customer.

You must be passionate about menswear, both technical and casual. You ideally hold a keen interest in and awareness of the market, including relevant and like-minded brands.

The role is active and hands-on; you will touch upon everything from creative sourcing, supplier vetting, factory visits, development, and production.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the entire production lifecycle, from pre-production planning to final quality control, including critical path development & management to ensure timely delivery of products across multiple timelines.
• Ensure Norse is at the forefront of innovative apparel design and development, working with the industry's leading suppliers across fabrics, fabrications, and technology to ensure Norse is continually at the forefront of innovative and sustainable practices.
• Coordinate with design and technical teams to meet production specifications and standards.
• Costing and target pricing analysis to ensure products are produced within budget and according to desired margins.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with fabric mills, manufacturers, and other suppliers.
• Address and resolve production issues, applying quick and practical decision-making skills.
• Review and benchmark suppliers and develop our supplier portfolio.
• Implement and manage quality-control programs, sustainability practices and CSR.
• Ensure compliance with local and international manufacturing laws and practices.
• Budgeting production costs, aiming for efficiency and cost reduction while maintaining product quality.
• Oversee the merchandising strategies to align production with market demands and brand positioning.
• Develop technical specifications for technical apparel, incorporating advanced fabric technologies and performance features.
• Develop a team of highly motivated, dedicated, and competent employees showing the way through leadership.

Your professional profile

• Experience from a similar position, preferably in a fashion-forward or contemporary brand.
• Experienced with garment construction, textiles, fabric treatments and washes,
• Manufacturing processes and negotiations.
• Extensive knowledge of fabric treatments, washes, and technical apparel production.
• Analytical mindset and experience with production-related software.
• Focused on obtaining continuous improvements and setting the agenda for excellence.
• Good at managing budgets.
• IT: Proficient with purchase order planning, budgeting, procurement and product management within ERP (Dynamics 365/ Navision).
• A bachelor's or master's degree in Fashion Management, Production Management, textile engineering, merchandising, or a similar field is a positive (experience more critical than education).
• Fluent in written and spoken English is a requirement.

Your profile

• A mature and calm personality.
• Hands-on and active doer.
• Able to develop and maintain strong cooperation & dialogue both internally and externally.
• Excellent organizational skills – detail-oriented and a multitasker.
• Decisive and committed with a sense of urgency & ability to work under pressure.
• Role model to your colleagues, feeling comfortable in an agile environment.
• Good communication and leadership skills.
• Positive with a" can-do" attitude and skills to motivate and develop your team.

We are offering

• An attractive and very interesting job in an innovative company.
• Good colleagues in a company that is very dynamic and entrepreneurial, with excellent opportunities to develop professionally as well as personally.
• A job where you will play a very central role on the growth journey of Norse Projects.
• Remuneration package at competitive level according to qualifications.
• Company lunch scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• Preferential pricing on our clothing and accessories.
• Canteen with snacks, tea and excellent freshly brewed coffee.
• Fantastic office location at the Copenhagen waterfront.
• An international environment with Talented, passionate colleagues.
• Six weeks of paid vacation annually.
• Company events and social activities.
• Relocation support.

Your application

UnikRecruitment assists Norse Projects with the recruitment process. The identity of the candidate will not be given to the company without his or her prior acceptance. For further information please contact Michael Kjærgaard, UnikRecruitment at +45 2222 4000 or [email protected].

All CVs and applications submitted must be written in English. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application and CV. Closing date for application is asap.