Production Associate or Production Manager

Position Summary

The Production Manager / Production Associate is responsible for managing the production process from purchase order issuance through final bulk delivery. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal cross-functional teams and overseas factories, ensuring all development, production, compliance, and shipping milestones are met on time while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Production & Order Management
Issue and maintain purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner.
Track all production milestones from order placement through final delivery.
Maintain accurate production reports and WIP trackers.
Review production status and proactively identify potential delays or issues.
Monitor open-to-buy reports to ensure purchase order quantities and commitments remain accurate.

Factory Communication
Communicate daily with overseas factories regarding production status, timelines, and action items.
Follow up on approvals, production schedules, and shipment readiness.
Escalate production risks and recommend solutions to minimize delays.
Sample & Approval Management
Coordinate and monitor approvals for Fit Samples, Pre-Production (PP) Samples, Top of Production (TOP) Samples, Bulk approvals, and Photo Samples.
Ensure all approvals are received before factories proceed to the next production stage.

Compliance & Packaging
Coordinate and follow up on care and content labels, UPC assignments, packaging requirements, country of origin labeling, and testing requirements.
Track laboratory test reports and ensure all required compliance documentation is received.
Follow up on Children’s Product Certificates (CPCs) and other regulatory documentation prior to shipment.

Cross-Functional Coordination
Partner closely with Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sales, Logistics/Warehouse teams.
Communicate production updates, risks, and critical path milestones across departments.
Ensure alignment between internal teams and factory execution.
Bulk Production & Delivery
Monitor bulk production progress and shipment readiness.
Track factory delivery schedules to ensure on-time bulk deliveries.
Coordinate approvals required prior to shipment.
Work with logistics partners to support timely delivery into distribution centers.

Reporting & Process Management
Maintain accurate production reports, approval trackers, and delivery schedules.
Review production data to ensure accuracy and identify opportunities for process improvements.
Assist in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and production best practices.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
2–7+ years of apparel production or sourcing experience (level dependent).
Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing, critical path management, and overseas production.
Experience with fit sample management, PP/TOP approvals, and bulk production.
Knowledge of apparel testing requirements, CPC documentation, labeling regulations, and product compliance.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ERP/PLM experience preferred.

Preferred Experience
Experience working with overseas factories and vendors.
Knowledge of children’s apparel compliance and CPSIA requirements.
Familiarity with major wholesale and retail customer requirements.
Experience managing production calendars, WIP reports, and open-to-buy reporting.