Production Manager

Title: Production Manager 
Company Description: apparel manufacturer 
Location: NY – on site 
Salary: $80-90k
Salary is commensurate with experience and is an estimated range provided by JPSearch.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and execute the product lifecycle from initial development through final delivery.

• Partner with global sourcing and production teams to support product development and ensure alignment on timelines and specifications.

• Own the organization and handoff of product specifications, technical packages, and related documentation.

• Maintain purchase order records and track delivery timelines.

• Communicate production status and key milestones to internal stakeholders.

• Monitor pre-production processes to ensure readiness and compliance with standards.

• Oversee packaging details, costing, retail pricing data, and style information.

• Manage product revisions and ensure requested changes are implemented accurately.

• Support development and design execution by communicating clear direction to cross-functional partners.

• Maintain costing documents and support margin analysis.

• Proactively resolve production issues to ensure timely delivery.

• Track samples and oversee development milestones, including fabric approvals, color standards, prototypes, pre-production samples, and bulk production.

• Provide regular status updates to leadership on project progress.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with merchandising, sales, design, sourcing, and operations teams.

• Serve as a liaison across departments to ensure customer requirements are met from sampling through production readiness.

• Prepare materials for internal and external presentations.

• Partner with design teams on fit, construction, quality, and color approvals.

• Understand and support the technical design process, ensuring accurate handoff to production partners.

• Develop and manage product lifecycle calendars, both internal and customer-specific.

• Perform additional duties as needed to support business objectives.

Ideal Background

• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

• 5+ years of experience in product development, manufacturing, retail, or ecommerce environments.

• Experience in soft goods or accessories preferred.

• Strong understanding of technical design, product development processes, and production timelines.

• Experience working in cross-functional teams.

• Proficiency in Excel, including retail math and margin analysis.

• Willingness to travel as needed.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Negotiation and costing expertise.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple product categories and timelines simultaneously.

• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and urgency.

• Effective problem-solving and prioritization skills.

• Ability to adapt to changing workloads and business needs.

• Leadership presence with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.

• Clear, accurate, and concise communication style.