Production Manager - Print Shop
- Orchard Park, NY
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Oversee the daily operations of the screen printing, embroidery, heat press, and tackle twill decoration departments.
- Ensure production targets, quality standards, and deadlines are met for each decoration process.
- Develop and implement production schedules, ensuring all orders are completed in a timely manner.
- Coordinate with the production team to resolve any production issues that arise
- Evaluate internal production capacity and determine when to outsource based on volume, specialization or equipment limitations
- Communicate with approved outsourcing vendors to coordinate production timelines, pricing and order specifications
- Track outsourced jobs and maintain visibility on turn time, quality and cost
- Lead, train, and mentor a team of production workers, machine operators, and decorators
- Set clear expectations and performance goals for departments
- Monitor and manage production staffing levels to meet workload demands, including identifying hiring needs, coordinate recruitment of new team members, and address replacements due to turnover or performance
- Provide appropriate training for new hires and ongoing development for existing employees.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
- Implement corrective action plans as needed
- Promote a positive and productive work environment.
- Enforce safety protocols and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
- Monitor production quality and ensure that all products meet company standards and customer specifications.
- Implement quality control processes to minimize defects, including checking samples from each production batch.
- Address quality issues quickly and determine corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Determine best decoration techniques for new or non-standard garments or products, ensuring quality standards are maintained
- Continuously assess the efficiency of production processes and implement improvements to reduce waste, increase speed, and enhance quality
- Continuous research and development to refine and optimize processes and stay ahead of new printing techniques and trends
- Document best practices and operating procedures
- Hold weekly team meetings to evaluate workflow, address issues and production bottlenecks.
- Reinforce health and safety protocols
- Ensure daily cleaning procedures are in place and performed
- Monitor inventory levels of materials (inks, fabrics, threads, etc.) and order supplies as needed.
- Work with vendors to ensure materials are available and maintain accurate inventory records.
- Monitor material usage and waste; implement processes to track and minimize loss
- Research new/trending materials and supplies to improve efficiency and decorating capabilities
- Ensure all production equipment is maintained and fully operational
- Schedule preventative maintenance and service calls as needed
- Recommend new equipment and upgrades based on production needs and growth
- Research, recommend and provide support for new decoration techniques/capabilities and related equipment
- Collaborate with the sales and customer service teams to ensure production schedules align with customer expectations.
- Provide teams with realistic timelines and updates on orders as needed.
- Communicate job status, potential delays or quality issues proactively, ensuring resolution in a timely and professional manner.
- Collaborate with sales and creative teams to develop process for rush orders, including adjusting production capacity and scheduling
- Recommend process improvements to optimize efficiencies
- Support strategic initiatives for growth
- Collaborate with HR and department leads to ensure the production floor is properly staffed and trained.
- Lead cross-functional meetings to address production issues, educate sales team on various production techniques and challenges, and recommend alternatives for optimal decoration outcome
- Monitor and maintain production metrics, including, but not limited to
- Units produced per hour/operator
- Daily order completion rate
- Spoilage rate
- On-time delivery rate
- Downtime and machine utilization
- Maintain accurate production records and reports, including daily output, employee performance, and material usage
- Ensure that all production processes comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including safety standards.
- Report performance metrics to leadership, highlighting key metrics, issues, and areas for improvement.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a production management role within the apparel decoration industry (Screen Print, Embroidery, Heat Press, Tackle Twill, etc.).
- In-depth knowledge of decoration processes, materials, and equipment.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong understanding of production planning, quality control, and inventory management.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and production scheduling software.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-oriented environment.