Associate Production Manager-Temporary

Tommy Bahama; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Tommy Bahama seeks an Associate Production Manager to lead pre-production and production processes after Brand Launch. You will audit and release final tech packs to vendors, and drive cross-functional approvals to start bulk production on time.

Based in-house within the Sourcing and Production team, you will coordinate with material suppliers, garment factories and QC to ensure timely, high-quality garments, manage vendor issues, and track production WIPs and testing requirements.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in fashion design, business or related field.
• 4+ years of retail experience with product development, sourcing or production.
• Excellent understanding of product development, costs and lead times.
• Strong MS Office skills, especially Excel; effective communication.
• Strong negotiation, problem solving and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Audits and releases final tech packs to vendors, ensuring clarity of details and components.
• Lead pre-production approvals by managing detailed WIP and cross-functional coordination to start bulk production on time.
• Manage production tracking, approvals and vendor communications to ensure on-time shipment.
• Coordinate with vendor, material suppliers, QC and logistics on scheduling, lead times and testing requirements.

Skills

MS Office

Excel

Communication

Negotiation

Time management

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor degree in fashion design or business

Tools

Blue Cherry

Flex PLM

Job description

This is a temporary position covering a leave of absence. The assignment is expected to run from November 2026 through Early March 2027, subject to change depending on business needs and the returning employee's timeline. The role is fully in-house and sits within the Sourcing and Production team.

SET THE COURSE

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 Tommy Bahama’s high level of quality standards. The incumbent owns auditing and releasing final tech packs to vendors directly and ensure 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, Tommy Bahama QC team and logistics.

BE THE ISLAND GUIDE

Systems Management and Order Placement: Issues POs direct to vendors and communication back to Demand Planning team for any updates. Works directly with vendors to manage final delivery confirmation and negotiate final cost based on PO volume. Works with vendors on any PO changes/adjustment as needed based on sales orders or inventory needs. Supports finance with invoice information related to bulk production purchase orders. Works direct with vendors to validate production lead-times and booking dates. Manages monthly booking process for long‑term carryover styles in collaboration with planning team. Supports vendors with price ticket ordering through 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 shipping all product 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 Asia QC team on scheduling, tracking and gathering all QC inspection reports. Partners with 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 vendor before start of bulk production. Confirms final tech packs are complete before sending to vendor including proofing for accuracy. Generates final tech pack to send Vendor. Manages all communication and fields questions to ensure vendor has 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 chart to request/track and receive Approval, Pre‑Production, TOP and Marketing samples. Approves bulk price tickets, UPC codes, labels, hangtags, poly bag, and cartons.

Vendor Management: Communicates daily directly with vendors on all bulk production orders. Supports onboarding of new vendors. Participates in weekly conference calls direct with vendors to discuss outstanding topics, track production, problem solve issues as needed. Collaborates with Product Development & Sourcing team on vendor assessments and seasonal capacity planning. Acts as liaison between garment vendor and material suppliers for bulk production issues or concerns. Flexible for other duties as needed to help support the overall business.

ESSENTIALS FOR LIFE IN PARADISE

• 4-year degree in fashion design, business or another related field.
• 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, production lead times.
• Strong MS Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent math skills
• Flex PLM experience preferred.
• Blue Cherry experience preferred.
• Production planning, forecasting, knowledge of the production process, lead-times, 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 judgement and decision‑making ability.
• Strong product knowledge in apparel/retail industry.
• Ability to multitask and work in high pace environment.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail

Note: This is a temporary position intended to provide coverage during a leave of absence. The assignment is currently scheduled for November 2026 through Early March 2027 subject to change based on business needs. The statements herein describe the general nature of the work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of duties. Multiple factors will vary the applicable rate of pay for this role, including an individual’s experience, knowledge, and skillset, as well as work location and available budget.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $100,000 Mahalo (thank you) for your interest in Tommy Bahama!

Tommy Bahama is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants based on race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, military and veteran status, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, reproductive health decision‑making or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tommy Bahama participates in E-Verify. Details in English and Spanish. Right to Work Statement in English and Spanish.

Aloha! At Tommy Bahama, paradise is our business. Focused on exceptional guest service, upscale products and delicious food and drinks, our tropically inspired lifestyle inspires the world to relax. Maintaining our unique point of view requires a diverse team that includes apparel designers, eCommerce and technology experts, manufacturing and operations, and, of course, retail and hospitality professionals. There are countless opportunities to contribute to our continued success — if you'd like to help us "Live the Island Life," we'd like to hear from you.

Tommy Bahama is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants based on race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, military and veteran status, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, reproductive health decision‑making or any other characteristic protected by law.