Katie Holewa-Yaffe
New York,United States
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at top industry brands, specializing in supplier relationship management and team development. Successfully implemented production strategies that minimized costs and shortened lead times, driving operational efficiency from concept to delivery. Proficient in RLM/PLM systems, delivering high-quality production results while maintaining a focus on innovation.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Production
Ulla Johnson
New York, New York
09.2020 - Current
- Oversee the entire production process from initial concept to final delivery, ensuring timelines, quality, and budget targets are met.
- Develop and implement production strategies aligned with brand goals and sustainability initiatives
- Manage and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and lead times to optimize costs while maintaining high-quality standards
- Design and maintain systems to ensure consistent production quality standards.
- Work closely with stakeholders to resolve production issues and ensure product integrity
- Lead and mentor a team of production specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment
- Identify areas for team development and provide ongoing training and support
- Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements to integrate innovative practices into production workflows
- Act as a key liaison between production and other departments to ensure seamless operations
Senior Manager of Development & Production for White Label (all categories)
Proenza Schouler
New York, New York
01.2017 - 08.2020
- Implemented and supervised the start-of-season planning process in collaboration with senior leadership from development and design.
- Oversaw sample labor budget and SKU count collaboration with SVP of Development and Merchandising.
- Spearheaded seasonal production scheduling, maintaining efficient workflow until final delivery.
- Oversaw costing process from initial development to final production stage.
- Coordinated payment scheduling with finance team each week
- Provided strategic direction to departmental heads regarding resource allocation decisions.
- Contributed expertise in fittings to support founders in achieving optimal design outcomes.
- Effectively supervised a team of two direct reports for PS and PSWL
- Visited international manufacturing sites to enhance current partnerships and find future partners
Production Manager (PS Europe Wovens and all Knits)
Proenza Schouler
New York, New York
05.2015 - 12.2017
- Collaborated with VP of Production on production calendar and costing.
- Coordinated with factories to resolve production issues and delays.
- Scheduled and approved QC and final packing lists to coordinate pickups with Logistics team
- Production point person for cost sheets in PLM (offered ideas and suggestions that shaped the final cost sheet, responsible for trouble shooting, overall cost sheet management)
- Visited European factories each year to strengthen business relationships.
Associate Production Manager
Tibi
New York, New York
04.2013 - 08.2013
- Negotiated costing with factories to guarantee best pricing and update costing in cogs report and Red Horse/PLM
- Worked with Director of Merchandising to project bulk garment and fabric buys
- Purchased, received and approved bulk fabric and trims
- Communicated with factories overseas to ensure prompt sample delivery
- Created, updated, and sent garment POs to factories based on selling and fabric purchases
- Updated the bill of materials in OCC/PLM when trim changes were made during Production
- Oversaw fittings to make sure garments met quality requirements
- Worked with production Manager to negotiate costing with factories
Cutting Coordinator
Nanette Lepore
New York, New York
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Created cut tickets based on retail orders and allocated stock
- Calculated fabric yields for out-parts like ruffle, pleating, smocking, etc
- Tracking styles throughout the production process (i.e
- Fitting and passing, marking and grading, cutting, and arrival time in factory)
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Fashion Merchandising
LIM College
01.2009
Skills
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Pricing Strategy Development
- Cost Efficiency Optimization
- Lead Time Reduction
- Comprehensive Understanding of RLM/PLM Systems
- Evaluating and Supporting Team Development
- Supervising Complete Production Cycle
- Comprehensive Knowledge of Design/Development Process
Timeline
Senior Director of Production
Ulla Johnson
09.2020 - Current
Senior Manager of Development & Production for White Label (all categories)
Proenza Schouler
01.2017 - 08.2020
Production Manager (PS Europe Wovens and all Knits)
Proenza Schouler
05.2015 - 12.2017
Associate Production Manager
Tibi
04.2013 - 08.2013
Cutting Coordinator
Nanette Lepore
08.2009 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - Fashion Merchandising
LIM College
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