Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Production Manager to join the team at a growing apparel production agency. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the entire production process, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between our New York team, overseas vendors, and European factories. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in apparel production, demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, and have a strategic mindset to drive efficiency and quality across all production stages. You will play a key role in managing complex production projects, fostering strong relationships with global partners, and contributing to the continued success and expansion of our brand clients.
Production
- Serve as the primary liaison between the New York team, overseas vendors, and European factories to ensure efficient and effective communication and collaboration.
- Strategically plan and manage the entire production lifecycle, from product development to final delivery, ensuring alignment with company goals and client expectations.
- Lead and mentor a team of production coordinators, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement production strategies to optimize workflow, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
- Oversee the ordering and procurement of specialty trims and materials, ensuring timely availability for production schedules.
- Analyze and review Bills of Materials, ensuring accuracy and alignment with production goals and budgets.
- Monitor and track the delivery status of trims and materials, proactively addressing any delays or issues to maintain production timelines.
- Manage production timelines and delivery schedules, ensuring that sample progress and final products meet all deadlines.
- Maintain and update WIP reports on a weekly basis, providing comprehensive oversight of the full production lifecycle.
- Identify and resolve production challenges, working closely with factories to implement effective solutions.
- Coordinate and lead pre-production and production meetings, preparing and presenting detailed reports to stakeholders.
- Oversee the review and approval of UPC sticker and care label layouts, ensuring compliance with brand standards and requirements.
- Manage all marketing sample requests from clients, collaborating with factories to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
- Continuously evaluate and improve production processes, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
Qualifications/Skills:
- 5-7 years of experience in apparel production and/or product development, with a proven track record in a managerial role.
- Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, including lead times, garment construction, and quality testing.
- Significant experience sourcing and working with European fabrics and fabric mills.
- Strong strategic planning and project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with experience mentoring and developing staff.
- Self-motivated and entrepreneurial, capable of taking initiative and working independently.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to address and resolve production challenges effectively.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, essential for managing relationships with vendors, factories, and internal teams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, with the ability to leverage these tools for effective production management.
Who We’re Looking For:
- A strategic thinker who can develop and implement effective production strategies to drive business growth.
- A seasoned professional with a strong background in apparel production and a keen eye for detail.
- A proactive leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and can manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Someone dedicated to fostering a collaborative team environment and contributing to the overall success of the organization.
- A reliable and committed individual who upholds high standards of accuracy and quality in all aspects of production management.