What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Emerging Blue Jobs?
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Production Manager to take ownership of day-to-day apparel production from product development through final delivery for our client in childrenswear.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a small, entrepreneurial environment and enjoys being directly involved in every aspect of the production process. The ideal candidate has a strong background in apparel manufacturing, extensive experience working with overseas factories, and the ability to independently manage multiple production timelines while ensuring quality, cost, and delivery expectations are met.
This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports. We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable managing the big picture and rolling up their sleeves to handle the details. The Production Manager will work closely with Design, Merchandising, and company leadership to ensure products are delivered on time and meet brand standards.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management & Execution
- Own and manage the production process from development handoff through final delivery, ensuring products meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations.
- Develop and maintain detailed production calendars based on seasonal launches, key account delivery requirements, and trade show deadlines.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for overseas factories, managing daily communication, production updates, and issue resolution.
- Monitor all stages of production, proactively identifying potential delays, quality concerns, or manufacturing challenges and implementing solutions.
- Manage purchase order tracking, production status, and factory delivery commitments.
- Ensure factories adhere to approved specifications, quality standards, and production schedules.
- Troubleshoot production challenges independently and escalate critical issues to leadership when necessary.
Product Development & Pre-Production
- Partner closely with the Design team to manage the transition from product development into bulk production.
- Oversee sample development, approvals, and pre-production requirements to ensure production readiness.
- Track and coordinate fit samples, pre-production samples, and other required approvals.
- Review product specifications, materials, trims, and construction details to identify potential manufacturing issues.
- Ensure all approvals and technical documentation are accurate, complete, and communicated clearly to factories.
- Support fabric, trim, and factory sourcing initiatives as needed.
Vendor Management & Quality Control
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with overseas manufacturers and suppliers.
- Hold factories accountable for production schedules, product quality, and delivery commitments.
- Partner with factories to resolve quality issues, construction challenges, and production discrepancies.
- Monitor production costs and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies without compromising quality.
- Ensure finished goods meet approved specifications and brand quality expectations.
- Support the evaluation and onboarding of new manufacturing partners as the business grows.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting
- Work closely with Design, Merchandising, and Fulfillment to ensure alignment on production priorities and delivery schedules.
- Coordinate with logistics partners to track incoming shipments and communicate delivery expectations.
- Support inventory planning by providing accurate production status and shipment updates.
- Maintain organized production records, tracking systems, and approval documentation.
- Provide regular production updates to company leadership, highlighting progress, potential risks, and recommended solutions.
- Identify opportunities to streamline production processes and implement practical improvements appropriate for a growing business.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on apparel production experience required. Experience with children's apparel is a plus.
- Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, garment construction, fabrics, trims, and quality control standards.
- Proven experience managing production directly with overseas factories and suppliers.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage the production process from development through delivery.
- Experience managing multiple styles, seasonal collections, and overlapping production timelines.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and take initiative to resolve issues.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Strong communication and vendor management skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical information to overseas factories.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and production tracking systems.
- Comfortable working in a small-company environment where flexibility, resourcefulness, and a willingness to be hands-on are essential.
- Ability to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities, and operate with minimal oversight.
- Bachelor's degree in Apparel Production, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field preferred.
Salary Range $80-120K DOE
Salary : $80,000 - $120,000