What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sewing Operations Manager position at Ponderosa Printing?
About the role
We’re growing our in-house cut-and-sew operation for performance apparel (think custom running singlets and related soft-goods for the worlds largest brands) and need an experienced Apparel Sewing Production Manager to lead the floor. You’ll balance hands-on sewing knowledge with team leadership, basic pattern work, production planning, and direct client interaction on samples, fit notes, and approvals. If you love making well-built garments at scale and guiding a team to hit quality and deadlines—this is your spot. Relocation is available.
What you’ll do
- Own the sewing floor: schedule work, assign operators, manage WIP, and hit daily/weekly throughput targets.
- Lead and develop the team: train operators on industrial machines (serger, coverstitch, binders, bartack), cross-train to reduce bottlenecks, and reinforce safe, efficient practices.
- Quality & fit: establish checkpoints and standard measurements; drive first-pass yield and reduce rework.
- Patterns & samples: do basic pattern edits, create simple patterns when needed, and coordinate fit samples and size runs. (Software or manual acceptable.)
- Client interfacing: join select client calls for sample reviews, fit notes, and production updates with a calm, professional tone.
- Process & SOPs: document best practices, optimize workflows, and improve changeover time between styles/sizes.
- Equipment & materials: oversee machine upkeep, needles/threads, trims, and finishing standards (labels, heat transfers, sublimation finishing steps).
- Collaboration: partner with design, sublimation/heat press, embroidery, and logistics to keep jobs on track.
Must-have experience
- 5 years industrial or production sewing (apparel).
- Fluency with sergers and coverstitch; familiarity with binders and bartack.
- 2 years leading a team in a production environment.
- Basic pattern making or pattern edits (manual or software like CLO3D/Optitex/Gerber).
- Proven production planning (capacity, queues, lead times) and QA mindset.
- Comfortable speaking with clients about samples, fit, and production status.
Nice to have
- Performance/athletic wear construction (lightweight knits, stretch).
- Sublimation, heat-transfer application, and label/trim standards.
- Intro embroidery knowledge (coordination with the embroidery team).
- Lean/continuous improvement basics (reducing changeover time, standard work).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Success looks like (set clear expectations)
- On-time delivery ≥ 98%
- First-pass yield ≥ 95%
- Rework ≤ 3%
- Documented SOPs for all core operations within 90 days
- Cross-training matrix implemented within 120 days
Schedule & location
- Full-time, on-site in Boise, ID. Monday–Friday, day shift. Some overtime during peak periods.
Compensation & benefits
- $60,000 – $70,000 per year DOE
- Relocation assistance available
- PTO, paid holidays
About us
Ponderosa produces real-world marketing and premium custom apparel for top brands. We produce in the U.S., move fast, and care about quality. We help the world's largest brands bring their apparel projects to life.
Equal Opportunity
We’re an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $70,000