Apparel Production Lead: From Concept to Delivery

Design Observer; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Observer in New York seeks an organized Production Manager to support the development and production of our clothing collections, working closely with the Creative Director to move garments from concept through sampling, manufacturing, quality control and final delivery.

The ideal candidate understands apparel production, communicates effectively with vendors and internal teams, and can keep multiple styles, materials, deadlines and production details organized in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in apparel production or related field
• Ability to read tech packs and garment specifications
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication with factories and suppliers
• Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and standard office software

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Fashion Designer throughout development and production.
• Coordinate development from concept to final production.
• Track samples, revisions, approvals, purchase orders, production schedules, and delivery timelines.
• Communicate with patternmakers, sample rooms, fabric suppliers, trim vendors, manufacturers, and other production partners.
• Maintain production documents including tech packs, bills of materials, size specifications, colorways, and revision notes.
• Assist with sourcing and ordering fabrics, trims, labels, packaging, and other garment components.
• Monitor production milestones and identify delays, quality issues, or cost concerns.
• Help ensure garments are produced according to approved designs, specifications, quality standards, and brand guidelines.
• Coordinate fit sessions, sample reviews, approvals, and production handoffs.
• Conduct or coordinate quality control inspections throughout the production process.
• Maintain records of samples, materials, vendor information, costs, timelines, and production status.
• Support inventory planning and ensure materials are available when needed.
• Assist with costing, quantity planning, purchase orders, and production budgets.
• Coordinate final product checks, packing requirements, shipping details, and delivery schedules.
• Provide regular production updates to the Lead Fashion Designer and relevant internal stakeholders.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Spreadsheet proficiency

Tools

Excel

Production tracking tools

Job description

Design Observer in New York seeks an organized Production Manager to support the development and production of our clothing collections, working closely with the Creative Director to move garments from concept through sampling, manufacturing, quality control and final delivery.

The ideal candidate understands apparel production, communicates effectively with vendors and internal teams, and can keep multiple styles, materials, deadlines and production details organized in a fast-paced environment.