Associate Production Manager

The Associate Production Manager, under the direction of the Production Manager, is responsible for managing the pre-production and production process post Brand Launch with the goal to deliver garments on time and meeting high-level quality standards. The incumbent owns auditing and releasing final tech packs to vendors directly and ensures all details and components are clear. This role will lead the cross-functional team through pre-production approvals by managing a detailed WIP and working cross-functionally to keep all approvals on track to start bulk production on time. The Associate Production Manager will be a key liaison between material suppliers, garment factories, the QC team, and logistics.

BE THE GUIDE

Systems Management and Order Placement:
Issues POs directly to vendors and communicates back to the Demand Planning team for any updates.
Works directly with vendors to manage final delivery confirmation and negotiate final costs based on PO volume.
Works with vendors on any PO changes/adjustments as needed based on sales orders or inventory needs.
Supports finance with invoice information related to bulk production purchase orders.
Works directly with vendors to validate production lead times and booking dates.
Manages the monthly booking process for long-term carryover styles in collaboration with the planning team.
Supports vendors with price ticket ordering through the SML platform.
Performs other duties and projects as required to help support the overall business.
Production Tracking and Approvals:
Creates, manages, and tracks Production WIP reports to manage pre-production approvals and support vendors in shipping all products on time.
Collaborates with internal cross-functional partners on Production WIP to ensure all work is finalized on time to support on-time shipment.
Oversees tracking and communication of delivery delays to internal cross-functional partners.
Collaborates with the QC team on scheduling, tracking, and gathering all QC inspection reports.
Partners with the QC team on any potential production issues by recommending solutions, clarifying expectations, working with tech design/product development counterparts, or creating a corrective action plan with vendors.
Sets and communicates expectations by style of necessary garment testing requirements.
Reviews, tracks, and confirms all testing reports and requirements have been met by vendors before the start of bulk production.
Confirms final tech packs are complete before sending to vendors, including proofing for accuracy.
Generates the final tech pack to send to vendors, manages all communication, and fields questions to ensure vendors have full clarity on final style details.
Tracks and comments on all garment bulk approvals, including fabric, trim, garment wash, shade lots, and drum approvals.
Creates and maintains tracking charts to request, track, and receive Approval, Pre-Production, TOP, and Marketing samples.
Approves bulk price tickets, UPC codes, labels, hangtags, poly bags, and cartons.
Vendor Management:
Communicates daily directly with vendors on all bulk production orders.
Supports onboarding of new vendors.
Participates in weekly conference calls directly with vendors to discuss outstanding topics, track production, and problem-solve issues as needed.
Collaborates with the Product Development & Sourcing team on vendor assessments and seasonal capacity planning.
Acts as a liaison between garment vendors and material suppliers for bulk production issues or concerns.
Flexible for other duties as needed to help support the overall business.

ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS
Generally, 4+ years of experience in retail with focused experience in product development, sourcing, or production-related positions.
Excellent understanding of product development, product costs, and production lead times.
Strong MS Office skills, especially Excel. Excellent math skills.
Flex PLM experience preferred.
Blue Cherry experience preferred.
Production planning, forecasting, and knowledge of the production process, lead times, and garment construction.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to influence decisions with cross-functional teams.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Ability to work proactively and problem-solve.
Strong negotiation skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Good judgment and decision-making ability.
Strong product knowledge in the apparel/retail industry.
Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time.