President/owner jobs in California

FutureStitch is a fully-vertical circular manufacturer that believes business should be a force for good. We are the creators behind some of the world's most beloved sock and circular-knit products, including those for Stance, New Balance, the NBA, and MLB. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation-from our lab at MIT to our Oceanside factory that employs second-chance hires, FutureStitch is recognized as one of the most advanced knitting manufacturers in the world. In 2026, FutureStitch will launch a global base layer collection for New Balance and unveil two groundbreaking brands: SECONDS and CONTACT. SECONDS is a regenerative design collective built on the power of second chances-for both people and the planet. We transform waste into feedstock through advanced recycling and circular manufacturing technologies, creating apparel and accessories that merge craftsmanship, performance, and sustainability. Our global network of creative directors from high fashion and visionary technologists collaborates across multiple categories to build systems of renewal-products that don't just look good but do good, redefining how beauty and utility emerge from what was once discarded. CONTACT is a high-performance brand that partners with the world's best athletes to engineer bespoke products made in the USA. Designed at the intersection of sport science, innovation, and craftsmanship, CONTACT creates gear that responds to the unique needs of elite performers-where every fiber, stitch, and finish is tuned for precision. By fusing athlete insight with cutting-edge material technology, CONTACT delivers products that push the limits of performance and redefine what Made in America means in sport. FutureStitch is a flat, high-performance organization where every individual is empowered to lead and embody our core values of Mastery, Adaptability, Gratitude, Inclusivity, and Curiosity (MAGIC). Mission The VP of Merchandising & Design will lead the creation and execution of FutureStitch's and New Balance's first-layer ecosystem, encompassing socks, underwear, tights, skull caps, gloves, and undershirts. This leader will also oversee the design and merchandising direction for SECONDS and CONTACT, in first layer, apparel, and footwear, building a cross-brand architecture that bridges sustainability, style, and performance. This role is both strategic and hands-on-uniting merchandising excellence, design vision, and textile innovation. The VP will guide the development of a holistic product system that elevates comfort, performance, and aesthetic across categories. Collaborating closely with FutureStitch's manufacturing engine, global creative directors, and athlete partners, this leader will bring three interconnected brands to life. By 2026, the first FutureStitch x New Balance base layer collection will be complete and ready for global market introduction. In parallel, SECONDS will launch its first regenerative apparel line in collaboration with top designers and technologists worldwide, while CONTACT will debut performance gear co-created with elite athletes. By 2027, this leader will have established FutureStitchas the global benchmark for sustainable innovation, technical craftsmanship, and Made-in-USA performance excellence. Key Characteristics • Visionary in seeing apparel systems as integrated ecosystems that unlock comfort, utility, and style • Hands-on operator with mastery of materials, construction, and fit • Fluent in textile innovation, circular design, and technical performance • Deep cultural and athlete awareness, creating resonance across sport and fashion • Collaborative builder who thrives in multidisciplinary, global environments • Creative executor who meets timelines with precision and purpose Roles & Responsibilities FutureStitch x New Balance Lead the architecture and execution of a comprehensive first-layer system integrating FutureStitch technologies. Partner with product development and R&D to bring performance innovations to life. Translate athlete and consumer insights into powerful merchandising strategies and design briefs. Maintain a balanced merchandising calendar that merges creativity with operational excellence. Ensure aesthetic and functional unity across all first-layer categories. Collaborate with New Balance design teams to align storytelling and performance vision, and work with brand partners such as Stance, Burton, and Vuori on shared innovation projects. SECONDS Direct the design and merchandising vision across apparel, accessories, and multi-category collaborations. Develop regenerative product systems that utilize waste materials as circular inputs, turning byproduct into art and function. Manage a global creative network of fashion directors and technologists to build collections rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship. Create a unified launch cadence that connects global culture with environmental purpose. Partner with external sustainability leaders and design institutions to push the boundaries of what circular manufacturing can achieve. CONTACT Lead the end-to-end development of CONTACT's performance collection, from concept to retail introduction. Collaborate with elite athletes and sport scientists to design products that meet the highest standards of performance and comfort. Oversee U.S.-based manufacturing operations to enable rapid customization and precision. Develop the merchandising narrative that connects athlete insight, technology, and craftsmanship. Guide partnerships with sports leagues, teams, and performance organizations to establish CONTACT as the gold standard for Made-in-USA innovation. Key Outcomes • Q1 2026: FS x NB first-layer collection finalized; SECONDS product prototypes complete. • Q2 2026: CONTACT athlete testing phase underway; SECONDS brand content finalized. • Q3 2026: CONTACT production ready; SECONDS distribution partnerships secured. • Q4 2026: Global SECONDS launch; CONTACT debut to select retailers. • Q1 2027: FS x NB and CONTACT global market launches executed. • Q4 2027: FutureStitch ecosystem of brands established as the global standard for performance, sustainability, and social innovation. Performance Measurements • Timely delivery of design and commercialization milestones • Athlete and partner validation scores for comfort, performance, and sustainability • Retail and consumer adoption rates across product categories • Integration of FutureStitch innovation into multiple brand ecosystems • Partner and collaborator satisfaction metrics across all verticals • Profitability and growth contribution of each new product category Experience & Skills • 10-15 years of experience in merchandising, design, or product creation across performance, intimates, or high-fashion apparel • Proven record of building multi-category global collections from concept to market launch • Expertise in textile technology, knitting, circular systems, and sustainable innovation • Experience working with athletes, designers, and creative collaborators • Strong grasp of merchandising calendars, pricing, and commercialization strategies • Exceptional ability to lead cross-functional, global teams with clarity and inspiration • Deep curiosity about human performance, craft, and regeneration • Passion for building systems that combine profit, purpose, and creativity