Production Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Summary: The Production Specialist plays a key role in managing the full production lifecycle from development handoff through final delivery. This position provides advanced support to the Production and Product Development teams by overseeing vendor communication, monitoring WIP, managing production timelines, and ensuring all products meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations.

The Production Specialist handles more complex programs and vendors, analyzes production risks, proactively solves issues, and supports continuous improvement across the vendor base.

LOCATION: Hybrid 3days on-site, 2 days remote

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Production Management

• Manage day-to-day communication with overseas and domestic vendors to ensure timely production and accurate delivery of goods.
• Own a designated category or set of vendors, serving as the primary contact for production execution.
• Review production status, proactively identify delays or risks, and drive corrective actions with vendors.
• Track all goods from PO placement through WIP, final inspection, and shipment to ensure deadlines are met.
• Validate all production details including MOQ requirements, carton quantity, costing, packaging, and labeling.
• Partner with Product Development and Design to ensure handoff packs are accurate and production ready.

Issue Resolution

• Troubleshoot and resolve product, quality, or spec issues by coordinating with internal partners such as Design, QA, Product Development, and Sales.
• Review test reports and ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead first-level root cause analysis for production delays, defects, or vendor non compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Logistics to confirm packing list approvals, shipment schedules, and routing instructions.
• Collaborate closely with Planning/Forecasting teams to support on-time purchasing and replenishment.
• Support Sales with delivery updates, production status summaries, and customer specific requirements. Cost & Vendor Management
• Execute vendor chargebacks, discounts, and compliance deductions as needed.
• Evaluate vendor performance on quality, timeliness, and compliance; provide recommendations for improvement.
• Analyze production data to identify trends or recurring issues within the vendor base. Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
• Maintain and update production trackers, calendars, SOPs, and vendor guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to all production policies and standard operating procedures.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and visibility across the production workflow.

Other duties may be assigned.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Business, Retail Merchandising, Apparel Merchandising/ Design or a related field, preferred, or
• 5+ years of experience in apparel production or sourcing.
• Experience managing overseas vendors and full production lifecycles.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, testing requirements, trims, and technical details.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel (advanced preferred), and production/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret production data and identify risks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to make decisions independently and escalate when appropriate.
• English required; additional languages a plus ( Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish preferred).
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, test reports, compliance requirements, and vendor communications.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Excel, Outlook,
• MRP/ERP systems, and production software.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None (but may mentor Production Coordinators or Interns as needed).

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to work hours that exceed 8 hours per day and/or 40 hours per week, especially during peak activity periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus, visual acuity for analyzing samples and color. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms.