Production Manager

Socket.dev; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Production Manager to oversee end-to-end production from planning to delivery, ensuring quality, cost, and on-time execution. You will coordinate with sourcing, design, QA, compliance, logistics, and factory partners to meet program milestones and drive efficiency.

The role requires strong problem-solving, communication, and a proven track record in apparel manufacturing, with capability to manage overseas suppliers and complex programs.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in production management or related field.
• Strong knowledge of garment manufacturing processes, sewing operations, fabric behavior, and costing fundamentals.
• Experience with overseas factories and high-volume programs is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and proactive risk management.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production planning and execution from season calendars to schedules.
• Coordinate with factories on capacity, line layout, sewing efficiency, and timelines.
• Maintain QA and compliance through inline inspections and corrective actions.
• Identify and escalate risks related to delays, capacity, workmanship, or testing.
• Maintain real-time WIP, delivery status, and production trackers.
• Evaluate factory performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Production mgmt exp

Apparel manufacturing

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Excel & tools

Travel ability

Tools

PLM/ERP systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the end‑to‑end execution of the production process—from pre‑production planning through bulk manufacturing and final delivery. This role ensures that all product, quality, capacity, and timing requirements are met while driving operational efficiency, resolving production issues, and coordinating closely with cross‑functional teams (Sourcing, PD, Technical Design, QA, Compliance, Logistics, and Factory Partners).

The Production Manager serves as the central liaison between corporate teams and manufacturing facilities, ensuring that production aligns with company standards for quality, safety, timeliness, and cost.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Planning & Execution

• Manage seasonal production calendars, ensuring alignment with design, merchandising, sales, and sourcing milestones.
• Translate buy plans, forecasted demand, and development handoffs into executable production schedules.
• Partner with factories to confirm capacity, production planning, line layout, sewing efficiency expectations, and key timelines.

2. Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of communication among factories, sourcing teams, technical design, compliance, and quality teams.
• Ensure all pre‑production requirements (tech packs, trims, strike‑offs, lab dips, fit approvals, testing, etc.) are completed on time to support production start.
• Follow up with internal partners on outstanding approvals and deliverables.
• Communicate regularly with overseas manufacturing partners across multiple time zones to support production execution and issue resolution.

3. Quality & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure adherence to quality standards, testing protocols, and safety requirements.
• Partner with QA teams to support inline inspections, PP meetings, and corrective action follow‑ups.
• Monitor and help resolve quality deviations, documentation issues, or safety requirements identified during the production cycle.

4. Issue Resolution & Risk Management

• Identify risks related to material delays, capacity issues, workmanship, testing failures, or compliance findings and escalates with proposed solutions.
• Troubleshoot production problems—including fabric shortages, construction challenges, machine issues, or workflow bottlenecks—in partnership with factory management.
• Support factories in immediate corrective action for audit or compliance‑related findings when applicable.

5. Tracking, Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure real‑time maintenance of WIP reports, delivery status, and production trackers.
• Track key performance indicators such as on‑time delivery, efficiency, quality pass rates, and production output.
• Ensure documentation related to production testing, compliance, or approvals is properly maintained and shared with relevant teams.

6. Factory Partnership & Performance Management

• Build strong operational relationships with manufacturing partners.
• Evaluate factory performance related to cost, speed, quality, and reliability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives including efficiency enhancements, waste reduction, and workflow optimization.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in production management, apparel manufacturing, supply chain, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of garment manufacturing processes, sewing operations, fabric behavior, and costing fundamentals.
• Experience working with overseas factories and managing high‑volume programs preferred.
• Skilled in problem‑solving, critical thinking, and proactive risk management.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in Excel and production management tools; familiarity with PLM/ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as production demands require.

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence & Follow‑Through
• Vendor Management & Negotiation
• Quality & Compliance Awareness
• Data‑Driven Decision Making
• Adaptability in a Fast‑Paced Environment
• Clear, Concise Communication
• Leadership & Relationship Building