James Kolbjornsen

Senior Production Manager

2020 – 2024

Led production management & product development for multiple apparel brands (O’Neill Surf, PSD Underwear, Hang 10, Mountain Khakis, Sol Angeles) across various market segments including Men’s, Women’s, and Youth sportswear. Developed and executed product lifecycles from concept through final production, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and on-time delivery. Negotiated vendor pricing and managed cost analysis for inline and SMU products, achieving cost savings during my tenure of over $3M by optimizing raw materials and production logistics. Managed the creation and execution of production and sourcing calendars, line plans, and SOP ensuring seasonal deliveries & cost targets were met across all product lines. Led cross-functional collaboration with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely deliveries, quality standards, and operational efficiency. Utilized Centric PLM to manage product development processes, including tech packs, sample approvals, and fabric submissions. Superuser of Full Circle ERP system for reporting, po entry, style master, receiving, and raw material inventory management. Collaborated with third-party testing agencies (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) to ensure all products met stringent quality control, factory, and safety standards. Drove operational process improvements, resulting in a 15% reduction in lead times and increased operational efficiency across the production cycle.

Production/Development/Account Manager

2019 – 2020

Managed full production & product development lifecycle for brands including Volcom, Stussy, private label (Bealls & Kohl’s) and Visla Surf. Ensuring compliance with client specifications, testing, and sustainability standards. Coordinated with vendors, factories, and internal teams to ensure on-time deliveries and quality products within budget. Led cross-functional teams to drive production timelines, sample approvals, and QC from design to final production.

Operations Manager Brands Division

2018 – 2018

Project Manager to complete the final stages of the Mad Engine acquisition of LRG and NEFF head wear. Reconciliation with finance on assets & budgets, office move to new Irvine HQ, warehouse move to Mad Engine DC in San Diego. Managed the implementation and integration of the Full Circle ERP system, improving supply chain, sales operations, finance, and production management processes. Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational performance, reduce lead times, and increase productivity. Increased shipping turnaround by 20% through streamlined processes and improved warehouse coordination.

Production/Development Manager, Assistant Operations Manager

2014 – 2018

Led the printable production operations for private label and branded products for key accounts (The North Face, Ariat, Stussy, Santa Cruz, LRG, Simms Fishing, Eddie Bauer, Billabong, RVCA, Fifth Son, Gonzalez), ensuring compliance with customer specifications for Big Box and Club Store orders. Managed product development from concept to production, Trims, BOMS, Pricing, Sample Approvals, Fittings, & Testing. Supervised a team of 6 production coordinators/CSR to ensure timely delivery of products that met client and quality standards.

International Account Manager

2012 – 2013

- Managed sales and maintain accounts for Canada, Australia, Japan, Asia Pacific, and South American distributors & direct international key accounts. - Streamlined international distributor seasonal sample coordination to decrease staff hours and increase ready dates to improve distributor delivery and selling time. - Canada direct ecommerce project manager, business license, Canadian tax set up, 3PL logistics setup, inventory management.

Canadian Sales & Operations Manager

2006 – 2012

- Project Manager for transition from 3rd party distribution model to Direct Distribution model, including customer retention, budgets, development of field rep teams, 3pl and Canadian business set up. - Consistent yearly increase of revenue from 2007 (5% of global sales) to 2012 (31%+ of global sales). - Devised retail segmentation programs utilizing analytics and sales data to create the best flow of products to the right retailers. - Managed all retail, web, and print add marketing from 2007 – 2011, athlete manager for regional Canadian skateboard team, implemented taste maker program in key metropolitan areas by connecting with the most influential “taste makers”, key event coordination and local events, tradeshow coordinator local and Canadian national shows. - Spearheaded smu program for key accounts, including seasonal and climate specific offerings.

BA

2009 – 2011