Production Associate or Production Manager

About the role

The Production Manager / Production Associate is responsible for managing the production process from purchase order issuance through final bulk delivery. This role serves as the primary liaison between internal cross-functional teams and overseas factories, ensuring all development, production, compliance, and shipping milestones are met on time while maintaining quality and accuracy.

This position is onsite 5 days a week in Roslyn, NY.

Responsibilities

• Issue and maintain purchase orders accurately and in a timely manner
• Track all production milestones from order placement through final delivery
• Maintain accurate production reports and WIP trackers
• Review production status and proactively identify potential delays or issues
• Monitor open-to-buy reports to ensure purchase order quantities and commitments remain accurate
• Communicate daily with overseas factories regarding production status, timelines, and action items
• Follow up on approvals, production schedules, and shipment readiness
• Escalate production risks and recommend solutions to minimize delays
• Coordinate and monitor approvals for Fit Samples, Pre-Production (PP) Samples, Top of Production (TOP) Samples, Bulk approvals, and Photo Samples
• Ensure all approvals are received before factories proceed to the next production stage
• Coordinate and follow up on care and content labels, UPC assignments, packaging requirements, country of origin labeling, and testing requirements
• Track laboratory test reports and ensure all required compliance documentation is received
• Follow up on Children’s Product Certificates (CPCs) and other regulatory documentation prior to shipment
• Partner closely with Design, Technical Design, Merchandising, Sales, Logistics/Warehouse teams
• Communicate production updates, risks, and critical path milestones across departments
• Ensure alignment between internal teams and factory execution
• Monitor bulk production progress and shipment readiness
• Track factory delivery schedules to ensure on-time bulk deliveries
• Coordinate approvals required prior to shipment
• Work with logistics partners to support timely delivery into distribution centers
• Maintain accurate production reports, approval trackers, and delivery schedules
• Review production data to ensure accuracy and identify opportunities for process improvements
• Assist in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and production best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 2–7+ years of apparel production or sourcing experience (level dependent)
• Strong understanding of apparel manufacturing, critical path management, and overseas production
• Experience with fit sample management, PP/TOP approvals, and bulk production
• Knowledge of apparel testing requirements, CPC documentation, labeling regulations, and product compliance
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ERP/PLM experience preferred

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with overseas factories and vendors
• Knowledge of children’s apparel compliance and CPSIA requirements
• Familiarity With Major Wholesale And Retail Customer Requirements
• Experience managing production calendars, WIP reports, and open-to-buy reporting