Archipelago Companies (OluKai and Melin) Director of Production

Who We Are:

Archipelago Companies, a portfolio of highly successful consumer lifestyle brands, is seeking a talented and passionate individual with an entrepreneurial mindset to join our team. Our brands, including OluKai, Melin, Roark, and Tradewind Services are leaders in their respective markets, offering high-quality products and authentic marketing stories direct to consumers. At Archipelago Companies, we pride ourselves on our commitment to integrity, and we strive to create a culture of excellence in everything we do. If you are a driven and innovative individual with a passion for consumer brands, we invite you to apply for our open position and become a part of our dynamic and growing team.

About the Role:

As Director of Production you sit between strategy and execution — translating the VP's direction into operational reality across OluKai and  Melin. You own the end-to-end production and supply chain process, manage key vendor relationships, and lead the day-to-day team. You're a strong operator with the commercial acumen to understand how production decisions affect brand margins, and the leadership presence to drive accountability across a cross-functional organization.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Production & Supply Chain Operations

• Own end-to-end production operations across all two brands — from PO issuance through factory delivery 
• Manage master production calendars, seasonal timelines, and delivery milestones in alignment with brand plans
• Oversee factory capacity planning and allocation — ensuring the right products are placed with the right partners
• Partner with demand planning and finance to align production output with inventory targets and revenue plans

Vendor & Factory Management

• Manage day-to-day and strategic relationships with domestic and international manufacturing partners
• Lead cost negotiations, vendor performance reviews, and corrective action processes
• Maintain a healthy vendor portfolio — evaluating factory capabilities, quality, and risk on an ongoing basis
• Travel internationally to support factory visits, quality reviews, and relationship development

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Lead and develop the Production Manager and broader production team
• Serve as the primary cross-functional liaison between production, product development, logistics, marketing, and finance
• Drive alignment on seasonal calendars, launch readiness, and replenishment planning across brands
• Build and refine tools, systems, and processes that improve team efficiency and visibility

Reporting & Performance

• Own production KPIs — on-time delivery, cost variance, quality rates, and inventory accuracy
• Present performance updates and operational risks to the VP and leadership team
• Identify and lead initiatives that drive continuous improvement across the production function

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years of experience in production, supply chain, or operations — with at least 2 years in a director or senior manager role
• Deep understanding of international production and vendor management, preferably in footwear, apparel, accessories, or consumer goods
• Strong grasp of unit economics — BOMs, landed cost, COGS, and margin levers
• Proven ability to lead a team and drive cross-functional accountability
• Highly organized with strong systems thinking — you build structure where it's lacking
• Excellent communicator across all levels of the organization
• Comfortable with international travel

Location & Office Structure: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in Irvine, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. On call as needed and subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.  

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $145,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• Complimentary chef prepared breakfast and lunch provided Monday - Thursday
• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
  
• Company bonus program
• 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
• 15 Days of PTO accrued annually, plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary, and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations
• Work with talented and great people who share a love of the ocean lifestyle

Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@arch-cos.com. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.