Import Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Mad Engine Global is seeking an experienced Import Production Manager to oversee the end-to-end production process for Men's and Boys apparel programs. This role is responsible for ensuring overseas production is executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule while maintaining quality, margin, and compliance standards.

The Import Production Manager partners closely with Design, Sales, Merchandising, Technical Design, Sourcing, Customer Service, and overseas factories to manage licensed and private label apparel programs for key retail partners, including Walmart, Five Below, and Ross . The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has strong knowledge of apparel manufacturing, sourcing, production timelines, and vendor management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Production Management

• Manage overseas production from purchase order issuance through final shipment for Men's and Boys apparel programs.
• Oversee strategic sourcing, production placement, and factory allocation to support business objectives.
• Ensure production timelines are achieved while maintaining quality, margin, and delivery expectations.
• Review purchase orders, production status, testing requirements, approvals, and shipment schedules for accuracy.
• Monitor WIP reports and proactively identify production risks, implementing corrective action as needed.
• Partner with factories to resolve production, quality, testing, or shipping issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure products are manufactured according to approved specifications, construction standards, and customer requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sales, Technical Design, and Customer Service throughout the production lifecycle.
• Support licensed and private label programs for major retail partners including Walmart, Five Below, and Ross .
• Communicate production status, potential risks, and delivery updates to internal stakeholders.
• Participate in milestone meetings, calendar checkpoints, and production reviews.

Vendor & Factory Management

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with overseas factories and strategic manufacturing partners.
• Negotiate production timelines while supporting company sourcing and cost objectives.
• Monitor factory performance and ensure compliance with quality, testing, and retailer requirements.
• Follow through on production revisions, purchase order updates, and shipment changes.

Leadership

• Lead and mentor members of the import production team.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and accountable work environment.
• Promote continuous process improvements that enhance efficiency, communication, and on-time delivery.
• Ensure departmental goals align with company objectives and customer expectations.

Financial & Operational Excellence

• Monitor product costing throughout the production process to support margin goals.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining product quality and delivery expectations.
• Ensure timely communication of shipment information to Customer Service and other internal partners.
• Maintain accurate production documentation, reports, and vendor communications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Fashion Merchandising, Production Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of experience in apparel production, sourcing, product development, or supply chain management.
• Experience managing overseas apparel production programs.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, manufacturing processes, costing, testing, and quality standards.
• Experience supporting major mass-market retailers such as Walmart, Five Below, Ross , or similar national accounts preferred.
• Mandarin or Spanish language skills are a plus.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.