Production Manager with 5+ years of experience

The Production Manager is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of beanie and apparel manufacturing at Fourbital Factory. This role plans and manages production capacity, coordinates workflows across departments, and ensures products are produced efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards. The Production Manager drives operational excellence by improving processes, monitoring production performance, and optimizing resources to meet delivery timelines and business goals. Working closely with sales, materials, and leadership teams, they ensure production operations are aligned with company priorities while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing production team. 

Essential Functions of the job: 

Production Planning & Capacity Management 

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet delivery deadlines, customer expectations, and company priorities. 
• Analyze sales forecasts and historical production data to develop capacity plans and staffing models that support seasonal demand and company growth. 
• Coordinate workflow across knitting, sewing, finishing, and fulfillment teams to maintain balanced production flow and prevent operational bottlenecks. 
• Partner with the Director of Sales & Partnerships to assess production feasibility for large orders and new business opportunities. 
• Coordinate with the Materials Manager to ensure timely procurement and availability of yarn, fabrics, trims, and packaging materials required to support production schedules. 

Production Oversight & Quality Assurance 

• Establish and enforce daily production quotas, quality standards, and departmental performance goals. 
• Monitor production output and workflow, proactively identifying and addressing bottlenecks, errors, and inefficiencies. 
• Evaluate production outcomes against efficiency, cost, and quality benchmarks to ensure consistent operational performance. 
• Apply Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) strategies to refine processes and maintain high product quality standards. 
• Oversee floor layout planning, equipment utilization, and preventative maintenance schedules to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. 
• Maintain a safe production environment by ensuring compliance with company safety policies, equipment protocols, and workplace regulations. 

Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement 

• Continuously improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and support environmentally responsible production practices. 
• Lead the implementation and ongoing optimization of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to improve operational visibility and coordination across departments. 
• Track and analyze key manufacturing metrics including throughput, labor efficiency, scrap rates, and on-time delivery. 
• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs through improved workflows, better resource utilization, and process optimization. 
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and leadership to ensure production capabilities align with broader business strategy. 

Staff Leadership & Management  

• Supervise and coordinate cross-departmental teams including materials, knitting, sewing, finishing and fulfillment. 
• Ensure staff have the training, tools, and support needed to succeed in their roles. 
• Partner with Leads and Managers to address performance, resolve workflow challenges, and maintain streamlined policies. 
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and development opportunities to support employee growth and operational excellence. 
• Act as a technical resource and problem-solver, ensuring staff have access to expertise and direction during production. 
• Address underperformance constructively in accordance with company performance management processes. 
• Serve as a bridge between production staff and senior leadership, fostering clear communication and collaborative problem-solving. 

Competencies required to complete Essential Functions: 

Strategic Leadership/Vision  

• Anticipates and articulates future production trends and aligns them with operational goals. 
• Applies broad knowledge of the apparel industry and organizational culture when planning short- and long-term objectives. 
• Clearly communicates action steps that build trust, inspire confidence, and drive forward progress. 
• Demonstrates fairness, inclusion, and unbiased decision-making while considering diverse staff needs and perspectives. 

Collaboration & Relationship Management 

• Fosters inter-team collaboration and promotes a culture of shared accountability. 
• Uses inquiry and active listening to clarify issues, resolve problems, and strengthen cross-departmental understanding. 
• Builds and maintains smooth working relationships with staff, peers, and leadership. 
• Shares relevant information proactively to support informed, timely decision-making. 

Communication  

• Delivers clear, audience-specific communication that includes intent, goals, deliverables, plans, and follow-up. 
• Communicates with clarity, empathy, integrity, and respect, fostering trust at all levels. 
• Adapts communication style to suit different contexts, balancing transparency with discretion. 
• Maintains emotional regulation and professionalism in fast-paced or stressful environments. 

Decision Quality & Problem Solving 

• Makes sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and historical context. 
• Gathers input using empathy and critical thinking before implementing solutions. 
• Demonstrates agility in balancing speed with intentionality, operational needs with long-term vision. 
• Applies practical judgment to prioritize resources and actions in line with organizational objectives. 

Education/Experience: 

A bachelor’s degree in Production Management, Industrial Engineering, Apparel/Textile Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred; equivalent hands-on experience in apparel or textile production may substitute. Candidates should have 5 years of progressive experience in apparel, textile, or soft-goods manufacturing, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role. Strong knowledge of production planning, workflow optimization, and cross-functional team leadership is required, with direct familiarity in knitting, sewing, embroidery, or related apparel processes strongly preferred. Experience with ERP systems, continuous improvement methodologies, and balancing efficiency with quality and sustainability is highly valued. 

Physical Requirements: 

Work is usually performed in a standard office environment with considerable time is spent with skilled and semi-skilled crafters on the production floor. Must have physical dexterity necessary to operate standard office equipment as well as production equipment. Position requires limited movement in one location for long periods (whether sitting or standing) generally oriented around a desk. occasional weekend/evening work and/or travel may be necessary.   

Knowledge/Skills: 

• Ability to read, write, speak to designated audience and communicate interpersonally in a professional manner emphasizing tact, discretion and courtesy.  
• Ability to clearly articulate ideas in a dynamic way in meetings and in group presentations. 
• Ability to think and communicate strategically while maintaining a full understanding of the tactical objectives around project implementation. 
• Ability to prioritize and process multiple priorities, maintains composure under stress, and execute decisions in a timely manner. 
• Maintain a high measure of confidentiality regarding conversations, plans, records and other information relating to business operations.  
• Understand, communicate, and interpret difficult financial, operational, and compliance related concepts and/or work-related documents. 

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Instagram: @fourbitalfactory.com