Production Art & Digitizing Lead

Responsibilities

• Evaluate all incoming artwork for production readiness — assess resolution, color mode, file format, specs across all 5 decoration types; reject non-conforming art with actionable feedback.
• Digitize & process embroidery designs at production speed — create stitch files optimized for garment/placement/machine; managing 5,000 embroidery units/day.
• Prepare file specs for all decoration types — color separations for heat transfer, specs for embossing/tags/print; optimize for production machinery.
• Enforce zero tolerance on art defects — identify & block at-risk files before production floor; track root causes and escalate to Production Lead.
• Own Art Specification Standard — document all decoration type requirements, best practices, machine constraints; update quarterly.
• Build & maintain file library — 500+ approved production files (logos, designs, separations); enable faster repeat order turnaround.
• Establish QC checkpoints — define stitch ranges, density rules, quality gates for each decoration type.
• Mentor & train junior staff — onboard 1–2 junior digitizers/coordinators; conduct daily stand-ups during ramp; develop training for production teams.
• Manage vendors — negotiate SLAs with external digitizing vendors; monitor quality, escalate issues.
• Track & report KPIs — own Art Rejection Rate, File Rework Rate, Digitizing Turnaround, File Quality Audit, Art-Related Defect Rate, Client Revision Cycles; report weekly to Production Lead.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on embroidery digitizing & art prep in high-volume apparel/B2B production.
• Expert-level digitizing software experience (Pulse, Wilcom, Hatch) — fast, clean, run-ready output without errors.
• Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop at production level — file optimization, color separations, print production.
• Experience with proven art workflows at scale.
• Deep embroidery machine knowledge — stitch limits, constraints, thread color, garment interactions.
• Screen print color sep, DTG file optimization, heat transfer specs.
• Ability to troubleshoot art production failures & implement corrective changes.
• Leadership/mentoring experience — comfortable training junior staff & establishing standards.
• Vendor relationship management & SLA negotiation.
• Detail-oriented; can manage multiple complex workflows without errors.
• Clear and professional communicator — can explain art issues to clients & production teams.

Physical Requirements

• This is a fully on-site role, present on the production floor Monday through Friday during shift hours.
• Ability to stand and walk the production floor for the duration of a shift (8+ hours).
• Lifting up to 40 pounds — moving garment boxes, supplies, and equipment.
• Ability to work in a production environment with machinery noise, ink, and chemical exposure (PPE provided).