Director of Production, EMEA - #1761321

About Us

Twelve designs and builds the world’s most inspiring merchandise and packaging for the world’s most coveted brands. Applying our uniquely tested end-to-end methodology, we seamlessly integrate our expert teams and global supply chain to turn wild dreams into high-return realities. Our difference lies in our approach to partnership and our commitment to social responsibility—proudly B-Corp certified and working exclusively with vetted and approved partners.

Position Summary

At Twelve, we take pride in delivering best-in-class product development and production solutions for leading global brands. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a strategic, process-driven Director, Production Management to serve as the right hand to the SVP, Production. This individual will drive operational excellence, optimize production workflows, and lead cross-functional initiatives that ensure seamless execution across our product categories.

This role requires a strong client mindset: the Director will serve as both an internal anchor and external voice of confidence, owning key production-related conversations with clients, providing updates, solutions, and insights that reinforce Twelve’s role as a trusted and strategic partner. The Director of Production will play a pivotal role in scaling operations, mitigating risks, and fostering strong vendor and client relationships while driving innovation and efficiency within our production team.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Serve as a key strategic partner to the SVP, Production, supporting high-level decision-making and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Champion a solutions-oriented approach in all production-related client conversations, ensuring confidence, clarity, and trust are consistently upheld.
• Lead the continuous improvement of production processes, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, cost savings, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee the end-to-end production lifecycle, ensuring seamless execution from product development through final delivery.
• Develop and implement best practices, policies, and SOPs to improve scalability and cross-functional collaboration.
• Analyze and assess production performance metrics, leveraging data to inform decision-making and improve efficiencies.
  
  

Production & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee domestic and global production operations, ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and efficiency.
• Ensure smooth order fulfillment and processing, including PO/SO management, invoicing, inventory allocation, and client-portal processes.
• Maintain and update COGS in our ERP system to ensure accuracy of project margins.
• Analyze product margins to identify areas for improvement and cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage relationships with factories, suppliers, and logistics partners in China, the US, EMEA, and other key markets, ensuring timely execution and adherence to compliance standards.
• Negotiate pricing and contract terms with vendors to optimize costs while maintaining strong partnerships.
• Coordinate transportation and delivery of finished goods in collaboration with our Logistics Manager. Ensure proper shipping documentation (Packing List, Commercial Invoice) is collected and shared with nominated freight forwarders.
• Monitor supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to proactively address potential disruptions.
  
  

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for production-related client communication—owning timelines, managing risks, and confidently navigating escalations with clarity and professionalism.
• Actively lead conversations with clients to communicate status updates, troubleshoot challenges, and manage expectations around production milestones.
• Work closely with Account Management, Development, and Compliance to ensure production execution aligns with client strategy, brand standards, and commercial goals.
• Help translate complex production updates into clear, actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a high-performing production team, providing guidance, training, and professional development.
• Establish clear goals and KPIs for the production team, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, problem-solving, and operational excellence within the production function.
  
  

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in production management, supply chain, or operations within a fast-paced, product-driven environment.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and scaling operations.
• Strong knowledge of global supply chain logistics, compliance regulations (Prop 65, REACH), and QA/QC standards.
• Experience with EDI, ASN data flows, vendor compliance, and routing guide standards.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to drive data-informed decision-making.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and project management tools; NetSuite and SPS Commerce experience strongly preferred.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth environment and can balance big-picture planning with day-to-day execution.