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SR. PRODUCT, PRODUCTION,SOURCING,PRODUCT DEV. MANAGER

Engineering & Production

With over 25 years in the global apparel, footwear, and accessories industry, I’ve worn a lot of hats and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My background, primarily in action sports &amp; streetwear, spans everything from production management and product development to sales, sourcing, and supply chain operations. Most recently I’ve spent 10+ years leading teams through the ins and outs of production, product development, merchandising, planning, and vendor relationships, and 18 years diving deep into sales management, sales operations, brand development, system integration (ERP/WMS/PLM) and inventory control. I’ve led strategic initiatives across both inline and SMU (special makeups), managing the full life cycle—from the first spark of an idea all the way to final production. My focus has always been on delivering quality, keeping costs in check, and getting things done on time. At the end of the day, I’m someone who loves solving problems, building strong partnerships, and keeping things moving efficiently, creatively, and with purpose.

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.


Senior Production Manager

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.


Production/Development/Account Manager

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.


Operations Manager Brands Division 

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.


Production/Development Manager, Assistant Operations Manager

- 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.


International Account Manager

- 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. 


Canadian Sales & Operations Manager

James Kolbjornsen is a SR. PRODUCT, PRODUCTION,SOURCING,PRODUCT DEV. MANAGER at La Jolla Group in Eastvale, CA.

James Kolbjornsen

James Kolbjornsen

James Kolbjornsen

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