About the Role
The Director of Vendor Compliance & Technical Operations will serve as the primary architect of the company's global vendor compliance, quality assurance, and technical operations strategy. This individual will oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of vendor performance, ensuring product quality, regulatory compliance, supply chain integrity, and strategic vendor partnerships.
The ideal candidate is a strong operator who can balance rigorous compliance standards with relationship-driven vendor management, ultimately minimizing risk, maximizing product quality, and supporting a high-velocity business.
Key Responsibilities
Vendor Compliance & Risk Management
Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive Vendor Code of Conduct
Ensure all manufacturing partners comply with global labor standards, environmental regulations, and safety requirements
Identify and mitigate supply chain, compliance, and operational risks
Quality Control & Assurance
Establish and maintain standardized quality control inspection protocols, including AQL standards
Oversee factory audits, inline inspections, and final quality inspections
Lead internal and/or third-party quality assurance teams
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and reduce defects
Technical Operations & Production Readiness
Oversee Top of Production (TOP) approvals and readiness for scale
Ensure efficient sample management, review, and approval processes
Potentially oversee sample and TOP library operations
Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet quality, fit, and production standards
Vendor Relationship Management
Serve as the primary liaison between the company and global manufacturing partners
Build and maintain strategic vendor relationships that drive long-term value
Collaborate internally with sourcing, production, operations, and warehouse teams to align business objectives with vendor capabilities
Transform vendor relationships from transactional partnerships into strategic alliances
Performance Management & Reporting
Develop and manage vendor scorecards and KPI reporting
Track and analyze metrics including on-time delivery, defect rates, compliance adherence, and vendor performance
Utilize data and audit findings to drive actionable improvements
Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
Lead negotiations related to quality concerns, chargebacks, compliance issues, and delivery delays
Resolve vendor disputes with a balanced approach that protects company interests while maintaining critical supplier relationships
Requirements
Required Experience
- 10+ years of experience in Global Sourcing, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Vendor Compliance, or related disciplines within the apparel industry
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and vendor networks
- Experience working within fast-paced, high-volume, or speed-to-market environments
- Proven track record managing global vendor compliance programs and quality initiatives
Technical Expertise
- Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes and global supply chain operations
- Experience with raw material testing, garment construction, technical fit, and quality standards
- Knowledge of international shipping requirements and production timelines
- Familiarity with children's apparel regulatory testing, Prop 65, and industry certifications preferred
Leadership & Communication
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to hold vendors accountable while maintaining productive long-term partnerships
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and conflict-resolution capabilities
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Analytical Thinking & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Strategic Vendor Management
- Quality Assurance & Compliance Leadership
- Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
- Global Supply Chain Expertise
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Ability to Operate Across Multiple Time Zones, Cultures, and Geographies
About the Company
SBH Fashion is a full service staffing agency specializing in fashion, beauty and apparel. For the past 20+ years, SBH Fashion has boasted the reputation as one of the most well-respected and highly sought-after recruiting agencies in New York City working with some of the most prestigious brands in the world.
At SBH Fashion we truly take stock in the interest of both client and candidate through personal interviews and career counseling.
We are involved in the hiring process every step of the way ensuring premium placement and satisfaction.
We have a large range of expertise including: design, technical design, production, product development, sales, and merchandising. We recruit at all levels and are happy to work in any and all areas that make a fashion business run including human resources, accounting and executive assistants.