Production Associate

The Production Associate supports the day-to-day execution of the production process, working closely with overseas factories, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure production timelines, approvals, packaging requirements, and deliveries are completed accurately and on schedule. This role requires strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage factory Time and Action (T&A) calendars, ensuring production milestones are met and following up with factories on discrepancies or delays.
• Communicate production issues effectively with internal and external partners to facilitate timely resolution.
• Maintain familiarity with retailer guideline manuals and ensure all packing, labeling, and production requirements are met.
• Manage the approval process for lab dips, strike-offs, shade bands, and other production submissions, communicating Design comments and approvals to overseas factories.
• Review pre-production (PP) and top-of-production (TOP) samples with Design and Creative Services to ensure accuracy and consistency with approved standards.
• Review and approve UPCs, RFID labels, and carton markings for bulk production.
• Review weekly factory capacity reports to ensure production output remains on schedule.
• Follow up with suppliers on packaging submissions and approvals and ensure packaging materials are delivered to factories on time.
• Participate in weekly factory meetings to review production status, discuss outstanding issues, and assist with troubleshooting.
• Create and issue purchase orders to factories using the Blue Cherry system.
• Maintain accurate delivery dates and detailed notes in Blue Cherry for delivery extensions, split shipments, and other production updates.
• Review delivery extension requests with the Manager and Sales Operations for approval.
• Ensure factories submit all required documentation to the Imports team to facilitate vessel bookings.
• Maintain detailed and accurate logistics and production data for weekly Work-in-Progress (WIP) meetings with cross-functional partners.
• Analyze weekly production status reports and provide updates to the Manager.
• Receive, organize, and distribute samples and production submissions to the appropriate cross-functional partners in a timely manner.
• Attend weekly fittings and assist with production-related follow-up as needed.
• Support VP of Production and rest of team on day to day needs related to production & sourcing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Production, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in apparel production, product development, sourcing, or a related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of apparel production processes, including samples, approvals, packaging, purchase orders, and production timelines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple styles, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Blue Cherry or a similar ERP/production management system preferred.
• Experience working with overseas factories and suppliers is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Design, Sales Operations, Imports, Creative Services, and other cross-functional teams.