Production Manager

Position Overview

The Production Manager will oversee the end-to-end production process for licensed apparel and related merchandise within the Theme Parks division. This role is responsible for managing vendor relationships, production calendars, costing, quality, and on-time delivery for programs tied to theme park, resort, and destination retail environments.

The ideal candidate brings strong apparel production experience, understands licensed-product requirements, and can manage fixed launch dates and complex product details in a fast-paced setting.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the full production lifecycle from order placement through final delivery across apparel and related merchandise categories, including knits, wovens, outerwear, and cut-and-sew products. Partner closely with Design, Product Development, Technical Design, Licensing, Sales, and Planning teams to align on product specifications, approvals, costing, and delivery requirements.

Own and maintain Time and Action calendars, ensuring samples, approvals, testing, production milestones, and shipments remain on schedule for seasonal launches and special events. Communicate daily with overseas factories and vendors to track production status, resolve issues, and maintain compliance with quality, delivery, and licensed-product standards.

Manage production capacity and allocate orders strategically across vendors based on capabilities, lead times, quality performance, and cost. Ensure products meet customer-specific requirements, including artwork approvals, branding, packaging, ticketing, testing, and delivery guidelines. Partner with Quality, Compliance, and Licensing teams to uphold product integrity, safety, testing, and intellectual property requirements.

Identify cost-saving opportunities through negotiation, material alternatives, process improvements, and vendor optimization without compromising design intent or quality. Troubleshoot production challenges, including material delays, fit or construction issues, approval changes, quality concerns, and shipment risks. Collaborate with logistics and internal account teams to support on-time shipping and delivery against firm launch and in-store dates.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Production, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred. 5-8+ years of experience in apparel or consumer-product production; experience supporting licensed, theme park, resort, specialty, or high-volume retail programs is strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, trims, embellishments, packaging, and apparel production processes.

Proven experience managing overseas vendors and factories from development through production and final delivery. Ability to manage multiple programs, styles, approvals, and fixed launch dates in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with PLM, ERP, or production-tracking systems preferred. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across Design, Licensing, Product Development, Technical Design, Sales, Quality, and Logistics teams. What Makes You Successful in This Role You thrive in a fast-paced production environment with firm launch dates and multiple approval stages.

You are proactive, solutions-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable managing competing priorities. You understand the precision, quality, and brand requirements involved in licensed and destination retail production. You build strong vendor relationships while holding partners accountable for cost, quality, compliance, and delivery.

You balance creative intent, customer requirements, cost, quality, and speed to market in your decision-making.