Apparel Production Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of fashion, the role of an apparel production manager is increasingly crucial.

As fashion trends evolve, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can efficiently manage, enhance, and ensure the quality of our clothing production process.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an apparel production manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the process of apparel production,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable apparel production manager job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Apparel Production Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Apparel Production Managers oversee the creation and manufacturing process of clothing items, ensuring all production is completed efficiently and to the required quality standards.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan, schedule, and manage the production process to ensure timely completion of orders
• Oversee the design and production of apparel, ensuring quality standards are met
• Coordinate with designers and pattern makers to translate designs into physical garments
• Supervise and manage a team of workers, ensuring they are trained and motivated
• Ensure that health and safety regulations are strictly observed at all times
• Develop and control budgets for each project, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs
• Monitor the sourcing and purchasing of raw materials and equipment
• Coordinate with sales and marketing teams to forecast production needs
• Implement quality control procedures and standards, and ensure they are adhered to
• Resolve production issues and bottlenecks to ensure smooth operations
• Keep up-to-date with the latest production management best practices and concepts

 

Apparel Production Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled Apparel Production Manager to oversee our production operations.

You’ll guarantee that manufacturing remains a smooth and efficient process by monitoring employees and organizing workflows.

In a fast-paced environment like production, the role is essential for the success of our business.

The goal is to ensure an efficient and productive manufacturing process that meets customer requirements.

 

Responsibilities

• Liaise with other managers to formulate objectives and understand requirements
• Estimate costs and prepare budgets
• Organize workflow to meet specifications and deadlines
• Monitor production to resolve issues
• Supervise and evaluate performance of production personnel
• Determine amount of necessary resources (workforce, raw materials etc.)
• Approve maintenance work, purchasing of equipment etc.
• Ensure output meets quality standards
• Enforce health and safety precautions
• Report to upper management

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as production director
• Deep knowledge of production management
• Understanding of quality standards and health & safety regulations
• Knowledge of performance evaluation and budgeting concepts
• Experience in reporting on key production metrics
• Proficient in MS Office and ERP software
• Outstanding communication ability
• Excellent organizational and leaderships skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong decision-making skills and a results-driven approach
• BSc/Ba in business administration or relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Apparel Production Manager
• Work Environment: Factory or production facility. Some office work may be required for meetings and planning.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Manufacturing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Apparel Production Manager Do?

An Apparel Production Manager works in the fashion industry, often for clothing manufacturers or fashion design firms.

They are responsible for overseeing every stage of garment production, from initial design through to final product.

Their main job is to plan, coordinate, and control the manufacturing processes.

They ensure that goods are produced efficiently, at the right cost and level of quality, and in a timely manner.

They work closely with designers and pattern makers to determine the best way to produce a garment.

They also communicate with suppliers to source the necessary materials, negotiating prices and ensuring the quality meets their standards.

The Apparel Production Manager is responsible for creating production schedules and making sure that all deadlines are met.

This includes keeping track of production costs and ensuring the project stays within its budget.

They are also in charge of quality control, checking the fit and construction of each garment and making sure it meets the brand’s standards and the customer’s expectations.

In addition, they oversee the factory workers, ensuring they are properly trained and that they adhere to safety regulations.

They may also be responsible for resolving any issues that arise during the production process.

Their role requires them to stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, production methods, and industry regulations.

They must also be able to adapt quickly to changes in demand or production challenges.

 

Apparel Production Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Apparel Production Manager should be equipped with a mix of technical knowledge, managerial skills, and industry-specific expertise, such as:

• Excellent knowledge in garment manufacturing processes and operations to manage and oversee the production process.
• Strong organizational skills to plan, coordinate and control the manufacturing processes ensuring that goods are produced efficiently and on time.
• Technical skills to understand, implement, and supervise the usage of manufacturing technologies and machinery.
• Effective leadership skills for coordinating with various teams and to manage and motivate production staff.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to foresee potential issues and troubleshoot any problems that might arise during production.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with other managers and staff, and to ensure that the production process runs smoothly.
• Attention to detail to ensure high levels of quality in the production process.
• Understanding of safety standards and compliance, ensuring that all safety procedures are followed.
• Knowledge of budgeting and cost control, to ensure production does not exceed the allocated budget.

 

Apparel Production Manager Experience Requirements

An Apparel Production Manager usually holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Business Management, or a similar field.

Their journey often starts with internships or entry-level positions in the fashion industry, to get hands-on experience with the manufacturing process, quality control, and logistics.

For the initial years, gaining 2 to 3 years of experience in roles like Production Assistant, Quality Checker, or Fashion Coordinator is beneficial.

This helps in understanding the nuances of the apparel industry including sourcing materials, understanding fashion trends, and managing production timelines.

Apparel Production Managers with 3 to 5 years of experience are typically those who have successfully managed smaller-scale production lines or specific departments within a larger operation.

They are expected to have developed their skills in areas such as budgeting, supplier negotiation, and process improvement.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field are considered highly experienced.

They may have held senior roles in the production department and gained expertise in overseeing the entire production process.

They would be ready to manage larger teams, handle complex projects, and make critical decisions related to production and supply chain management.

In addition to the years of experience, the ability to stay updated with the latest fashion trends, technology in production, and understanding of sustainable practices is an added advantage in this role.

 

Apparel Production Manager Education and Training Requirements

An Apparel Production Manager typically has a bachelor’s degree in fashion technology, apparel production, or a related field.

Their education often includes courses in textiles, fashion design, pattern making, and garment construction.

In-depth knowledge of fabrics, colors, styles, and trends is also necessary for this role.

Many employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in fashion technology or management.

This advanced degree often highlights a candidate’s understanding of the intricacies of production management, including supply chain logistics, quality assurance, and business strategies.

In addition to formal education, Apparel Production Managers often need several years of experience in the apparel industry.

This experience can come from roles such as assistant production manager, quality control inspector, or garment technologist.

While not obligatory, professional certification in areas like supply chain management or lean manufacturing techniques can enhance a candidate’s credentials.

Some Apparel Production Managers also find it beneficial to obtain certification in software programs used in design and production.

Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends, techniques, and technologies is crucial for success in this role.

 

Apparel Production Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Apparel Production Manager is approximately $68,000 (USD) per year.

This amount may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and the specific company for which they work.

 

Apparel Production Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Apparel Production Manager need?

An Apparel Production Manager should have excellent leadership and decision-making skills, as they need to supervise a team and make critical decisions on production matters.

They should also have good time-management and organizational abilities to ensure production schedules are met.

A strong understanding of apparel design, manufacturing processes, and quality control is also crucial.

Additionally, they should possess strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers and vendors.

 

Do Apparel Production Managers need a degree?

While it’s not always required, many Apparel Production Managers have a bachelor’s degree in fashion, business, or a related field.

However, extensive industry experience can sometimes substitute for formal education.

Knowledge of apparel production, manufacturing processes, and fashion trends is usually more important than formal education.

 

What should you look for in an Apparel Production Manager’s resume?

A good Apparel Production Manager’s resume should show extensive experience in the fashion industry, specifically in production management.

Look for experience in product development, supply chain management, and quality assurance.

They should also have a proven track record in managing teams and meeting production deadlines.

Knowledge of fashion trends and textile materials is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Apparel Production Manager?

A good Apparel Production Manager is a strategic thinker who can manage all aspects of production from design to finished product.

They must be detail-oriented to ensure quality control, and have a good understanding of fashion trends.

They should also have excellent communication skills to effectively manage teams, coordinate with suppliers and vendors, and report to upper management.

 

What are the challenges of hiring an Apparel Production Manager?

Hiring an Apparel Production Manager can be challenging due to the specific industry knowledge and skills required for the role.

Candidates need to have a solid understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of apparel production, as well as leadership experience.

As such, finding a candidate that balances all these skills can be a difficult task.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits can attract top talent in this field.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the fabric of what it truly means to be an apparel production manager.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing the production line.

It’s about weaving the fabric of fashion, one stitch at a time.

With our definitive apparel production manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to weave your career path.

But why stop there?

Thread further with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for tailoring razor-sharp listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every stitch contributes to the larger fashion tapestry.

Let’s sew that future. Together.

How to Become an Apparel Production Manager (Complete Guide)

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