Customization Production Supervisor

About the role

The Customization Production Supervisor oversees daily apparel customization operations, including Direct-to-Film (DTF) and related print production processes. This role leads production staff, manages workflow, maintains quality standards, and ensures customer orders are completed accurately, safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead employees, ensuring the team meets operational expectations.
• Interview, hire, train and support ongoing skill development.
• Ensure compliance with Company policies and legal requirements.
• Plan, organize and monitor individual and team performance, documenting progress or identified development needs, supporting the employees’ professional growth.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure operational documentation is complete.
• Communicate effectively with employees, leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safe work environment.
• Lead continuous improvement in processes and team operations, identifying opportunities for improved workflow, productivity, and team effectiveness.
• Oversee daily customization production activities, including production scheduling, workflow coordination, job prioritization, and labor allocation.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot DTF printers and related customization equipment including heat presses, curing systems, and finishing equipment.
• Monitor production output to ensure efficiency, accuracy, quality, and on-time shipment of customer orders.
• Review production schedules and coordinate with customer service, sales, warehouse, and distribution teams to meet operational deadlines and customer expectations.
• Prepare and manage print files including artwork review, color calibration, layout adjustments, sizing, and print setup.
• Ensure proper machine setup, maintenance, and cleaning procedures are consistently followed.
• Capture and manage equipment repairs and preventative maintenance to minimize production downtime.
• Support production planning initiatives to improve throughput, turnaround times, and operational efficiency.
• Inspect finished products for print quality, alignment, color accuracy, adhesion, placement, and overall durability.
• Implement and maintain quality control standards throughout all stages of the customization process.
• Identify and resolve production defects, print inconsistencies, and rework issues promptly and professionally.
• Ensure customer specifications and branding requirements are consistently met.
• Monitor quality metrics and recommend corrective actions or process improvements when needed.
• Monitor inventory levels for inks, films, powders, apparel blanks, packaging materials, and production supplies.
• Avoid material waste and identify cost-saving opportunities within the production process.
• Maintain organized workstations and efficient production flow throughout the department.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, workflow efficiency, print quality, and turnaround times.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, equipment upgrades, and operational best practices.
• Assist leadership with developing standardized operating procedures and training documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• On-Time Shipment %Rework %Scrap %Machine Uptime Capacity Planning Forecast labor requirementsBalance workloadsCapacity planningProduction forecasting
• Artwork Approval Process Verify customer artworkMaintain logo library and inventoryApprove production proofsCoordinate artwork revisionsEnsure branding compliance
• Cost Control Ink consumptionFilm usagePowder usageWaste reductionLabor efficiencyMachine utilization
• Safety & Compliance Ensure compliance with company policies, operational standards, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment.
• Promote proper handling and usage of printing equipment, chemicals, inks, and materials.
• Support compliance with environmental, safety, and operational regulations as applicable.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to prepare documents, manage schedules, create reports, organize data, and support daily departmental operations.
• Maintain effective email communication by responding promptly to internal and external inquiries, drafting professional correspondence, and organizing messages using Outlook tools such as calendars, tasks, and folders.
• Attend meetings (in-person or via Microsoft Teams), prepare and share documentation as needed, and follow up on assigned action items using task‑management tools such as Teams Tasks or Planner.
• Create, update, and maintain records, spreadsheets, databases, reports, and other office documentation to support departmental processes and ensure accurate information tracking.
• Communicate professionally with coworkers, leaders, customers, and visitors, both verbally and in writing, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and a high level of customer service.
• Support teamwork by participating in shared projects, providing assistance to colleagues, and contributing to a respectful, collaborative workplace culture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in production, printing, customization, apparel decoration, or related manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience preferred.
• Experience operating DTF printers, digital printers, heat transfer equipment, screen print equipment, or similar production machinery strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of color management, print setup, artwork preparation, and production workflow processes.
• Working knowledge of RIP software, graphic file preparation, and print production systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication, leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Production Management, Graphic Design, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred.
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CADlink, or similar graphic design and RIP software.
• Experience within apparel customization, branded merchandise, promotional products, or industrial print production environments.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience preferred.