What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager – Custom Apparel & Embroidery position at Midwest Portraits, LLC DBA Midwest Printed?
Production Manager – Custom Apparel & Embroidery
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day production of custom apparel and promotional products while ensuring exceptional customer service, quality workmanship, and on-time delivery. This role combines production management, customer interaction, graphic preparation, organization, and team coordination to keep projects moving efficiently from order to completion.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management
- Manage daily workflow for embroidery, apparel printing, engraving, and other custom production.
- Schedule jobs to meet customer deadlines while maximizing production efficiency.
- Prioritize workload based on due dates and production capacity.
- Maintain high quality standards and perform quality checks before orders are completed.
- Operate and troubleshoot embroidery and apparel printing equipment.
- Keep production areas clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies.
Customer Service & Sales Support
- Meet with customers to discuss custom apparel, promotional products, and decoration options.
- Provide recommendations on apparel, printing methods, embroidery, colors, and artwork.
- Build strong customer relationships through excellent communication and service.
- Follow up on customer questions and ensure satisfaction throughout the ordering process.
Online Apparel Stores
- Create and manage online apparel and fundraising stores.
- Upload products, pricing, graphics, and descriptions.
- Coordinate store deadlines and order fulfillment.
- Ensure online stores are accurate, organized, and customer-friendly.
Graphic Design & Order Preparation
- Create and modify customer artwork using graphic design software.
- Prepare artwork for embroidery, DTF printing, screen printing, and other decoration methods.
- Ensure files are production-ready and meet quality standards.
- Assist customers with basic logo cleanup and design adjustments.
Organization & Project Management
- Track all orders from approval through production and delivery.
- Maintain production schedules and communicate status updates with customers and team members.
- Ensure orders are completed accurately and on time.
- Coordinate with vendors regarding apparel availability and special orders.
Inventory & Equipment
- Monitor production inventory including apparel, thread, transfers, inks, and supplies.
- Assist with inventory counts and ordering production materials.
- Help maintain equipment and schedule routine maintenance.
Qualifications
- Experience in apparel printing, embroidery, or promotional products preferred.
- Basic graphic design skills using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or similar software.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with a team.
- Comfortable learning new software and production equipment.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with embroidery digitizing software.
- Knowledge of DTF, DTG, heat press, vinyl, or screen printing.
- Experience creating online apparel stores.
- Familiarity with order management or POS systems.
- Social media or product photography experience is a plus.
Success in This Role Looks Like
A successful Production Manager:
- Keeps production running smoothly and efficiently.
- Consistently meets customer deadlines.
- Produces high-quality custom apparel with minimal errors.
- Creates a positive customer experience from consultation through delivery.
- Maintains an organized production schedule and workspace.
- Takes ownership of projects and solves problems proactively.
- Helps the business grow through outstanding service, efficiency, and attention to detail.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of creativity, customer interaction, organization, and hands-on production, and who thrives in a fast-paced custom apparel environment.
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $24