Production Manager

Free Country; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Free Country is seeking an experienced apparel production professional to manage the product lifecycle from development through final delivery. The role requires close collaboration with Design, Technical teams, and overseas factories to oversee costing, approvals, testing, quality, and production execution.

5–7 years of hands-on apparel production experience is preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong vendor management, exceptional organization, and the ability to manage multiple

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of apparel production experience required.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Excel (including pivot tables), A2000, and Centric PLM.
• Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with Design and Technical teams on approvals for fabrics, trims, and garments from development through production.
• Communicate design comments, revisions, and approvals directly to factories.
• Obtain initial costing and manage all counter-cost negotiations.
• Review customer samples with Design and Technical teams to ensure product alignment and execution.
• Maintain ongoing communication with factories regarding updates, comments, and production changes.
• Coordinate pre-testing and final testing to ensure compliance with care labels and hangtag requirements.
• Review and maintain BOMs within Centric.
• Attend and support fittings throughout the development process.
• Oversee the full production lifecycle from development through final delivery.
• Review inline and final inspection reports to ensure quality standards are met.
• Manage daily communication with overseas factories and vendors.
• Collaborate effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
• Travel overseas as needed.

Skills

Apparel production experience

Vendor management

Organizational skills

Self-motivation

Communication skills

Multitasking

Tools

Excel (Pivot Tables)

A2000

Centric PLM

Job description

Founded over 35 years ago, Free Country is built on the belief that everyone should have access to affordable outdoor apparel for their adventures. Headquartered in New York City since 1990, Free Country designs and produces high-quality outwear, activewear and swimwear for men, women and even pets.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced apparel production professional to manage the product lifecycle from development through final delivery. This role will work closely with Design, Technical, and overseas factories to oversee costing, approvals, testing, quality, and production execution. The ideal candidate has 5–7 years of hands-on apparel production experience, strong factory and vendor management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with Design and Technical teams on approvals for fabrics, trims, and garments from development through production.
• Communicate design comments, revisions, and approvals directly to factories.
• Obtain initial costing and manage all counter-cost negotiations.
• Review customer samples with Design and Technical teams to ensure product alignment and execution.
• Maintain ongoing communication with factories regarding updates, comments, and production changes.
• Coordinate pre-testing and final testing to ensure compliance with care labels and hangtag requirements.
• Review and maintain BOMs within Centric.
• Attend and support fittings throughout the development process.
• Oversee the full production lifecycle from development through final delivery.
• Review inline and final inspection reports to ensure quality standards are met.
• Manage daily communication with overseas factories and vendors.
• Collaborate effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
• Travel overseas as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 5–7 years of apparel production experience required.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Excel (including pivot tables), A2000, and Centric PLM.
• Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.