Production Manager

The Talent Mill AU & NZ - Designer, Luxury, Fashion Retail Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Talent Mill AU & NZ is seeking a Commercially minded Production Manager for a growing Australian womenswear brand. You will own end-to-end production from concept through to finished product, working closely with design and technical teams to ensure on-time delivery, strict specifications and cost efficiency.

You will move between product development, supplier management, production planning and day-to-day operational problem-solving, building strong supplier partnerships and translating

Qualifications

• Solid foundation in fashion production and product development.
• Experience in growing, entrepreneurial fashion businesses.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive ownership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end production lifecycle from development handover to bulk manufacturing and delivery.
• Partner with Designers and Garment Technologist to align design intent and production timelines.
• Develop and maintain critical paths across seasons and new launches.
• Manage offshore manufacturers and suppliers with clear communication and accountability.
• Coordinate sampling, fit approvals, pre-production requirements and bulk sign-offs.
• Monitor progress and pre-empt delays or quality concerns before they impact delivery.
• Negotiate costs, supplier pricing, MOQs and lead times.
• Ensure garments meet quality, fit, construction and commercial viability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align production with inventory and launches.

Skills

Production management

Garment construction

Supplier management

Costing & budgeting

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality assurance

Communication

Job description

A growing Australian womenswear brand with a strong digital presence, a loyal customer following and a distinctive approach to contemporary fashion.

Known for its trend-led collections, confident aesthetic and commercially considered product offering, the business has established itself within a competitive fashion landscape and continues to evolve its product direction and operational capabilities.

With a collaborative, hands-on team and an entrepreneurial approach to business, this is an environment where individuals are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas and genuinely influence how things are done.

The Role |

We're looking for a commercially minded, highly organised and technically capable Production Manager who understands what it takes to bring fashion collections from concept through to finished product.

Working closely with an established creative and technical team you'll take ownership of the end-to-end production process, ensuring collections are delivered on time, to specification, within budget and to the quality standards expected of the brand.

This is a hands-on opportunity requiring someone who can comfortably move between product development, supplier management, production planning and day-to-day operational problem-solving.

You'll become the critical link between design, development and manufacturing, translating creative direction into achievable production outcomes while maintaining the pace, flexibility and commercial awareness required within a growing fashion business.

Importantly, this isn't a role for someone who simply manages timelines from a distance. We're looking for someone who enjoys being close to the product, understands garment construction and manufacturing processes, and takes genuine ownership of ensuring everything comes together.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Oversee the end-to-end production lifecycle, from development handover and sampling through to bulk manufacturing and final delivery.
• Partner closely with the three Designers and Garment Technologist to ensure design intent, technical specifications, construction requirements and production timelines are aligned.
• Develop, manage and maintain critical paths across seasonal collections, new product launches and ongoing production requirements.
• Manage relationships with offshore manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring clear communication, accountability and consistency across production.
• Coordinate sampling, fit approvals, pre-production requirements and bulk production sign-offs alongside the technical and design teams.
• Monitor production progress, proactively identifying potential delays, quality concerns or manufacturing challenges before they impact delivery.
• Negotiate and manage production costs, supplier pricing, minimum order quantities and manufacturing lead times.
• Ensure finished garments meet the brand's expectations around quality, fit, construction and overall commercial viability.
• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders to align production schedules with inventory requirements, product launches and broader business priorities.

The Skillset |

You'll bring a solid foundation in fashion production and product development, ideally gained within a contemporary womenswear, trend-led fashion or digitally driven retail environment.

We're particularly interested in individuals who have worked within growing, entrepreneurial fashion businesses, where managing multiple priorities, responding quickly to change and taking accountability are simply part of the day-to-day.

You'll ideally demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Production & Development Manager or senior production capacity within fashion or apparel.
• Strong technical understanding of garment construction, fabrication, fit, sampling and manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing offshore suppliers, production timelines, costings and quality expectations.
• Confidence working alongside creative teams, translating design concepts into commercially achievable product.
• A thorough understanding of critical path management and the ability to keep multiple collections and production schedules moving simultaneously.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to balance product quality, speed to market, manufacturing costs and profitability.
• Exceptional organisation, communication and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to managing challenges.
• The ability to build trusted supplier relationships while maintaining clear expectations and accountability.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused personality who thrives in a fast-moving, hands-on environment.

Above all, we're looking for someone who genuinely loves product, understands production and takes pride in making things happen.

Someone who can bring structure without unnecessary complexity, build strong relationships across design and manufacturing, and become a trusted partner to the wider business as it continues to grow.