Production Manager, Knits

About the Team

John Varvatos is a brand driven by people who bring passion, creativity, and a rock-and-roll spirit to their work. The company values growth, career development, dignity, respect, and fairness, and it encourages every team member to contribute meaningfully to shared goals.

Role Overview

The Production Manager will lead all Knit, Sweater, and Graphics product categories for the John Varvatos brand. This role requires strong multitasking ability and the confidence to work in a fast-moving environment. The position focuses on improving efficiency and identifying revenue opportunities while making sure products are delivered on time, manufactured to a high standard, and aligned with critical path requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Take part in early concept discussions to build a solid understanding of each new seasonal collection.
• Develop and maintain development and production tracking charts to support target pricing and margin goals.
• Source trims for prototype and sales samples in coordination with Design.
• Track, procure, and monitor raw materials for trials, prototype samples, sales samples, and bulk production from suppliers.
• Prepare design-related communications for the team, including prototype additions/cancellations and trim updates.
• Partner with factories to prepare flash costing and build programs that meet merchandising needs.
• Create sample and production purchase orders and verify that all line sheets are accurate.
• Set up and enter costing information in RLM.
• Prepare, refresh, and review costing for line-opening discussions with the relevant stakeholders.
• Release bulk commitments to factories and plan delivery flow against sales needs to support on-time shipment.
• Identify and communicate issues to the internal team as well as overseas factories and agents.
• Work closely with technical design to keep them informed of purchased materials and help prioritize comments in line with critical path timing.
• Oversee the full critical path across the business and monitor progress to protect delivery timelines.
• Coordinate with Logistics so bulk goods arrive in the correct distribution centers according to plan.
• Ensure supplier production planning stays aligned with critical path requirements.
• Manage raw material and finished-garment testing with mills and factories during the bulk timeline to maintain product quality.
• Organize weekly and bi-weekly supplier calls to strengthen relationships and resolve issues promptly.
• Work cross-functionally with teams and senior leaders to align requirements with strategic goals and deliver to required timelines, including wholesale, Nordstrom, digital projects, and seasonal collections.
• Direct and develop a reporting team member.
• Promote change management by explaining the reasons behind changes and the path to execution.
• Drive transparency and clear communication across all stakeholders to keep everyone aligned strategically.

Requirements

• Strong hands-on knowledge of knit and sweater manufacturing.
• Understanding of the apparel market and competitive landscape.
• Prior experience working directly with designers on knit and sweater development.
• Established relationships with overseas apparel factories.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong organizational ability.
• At least 8 years of relevant production management experience.

Values and Culture

• Respect: treat team members, customers, suppliers, partners, and the planet with consistent courtesy and fairness.
• Resolve: stay committed, follow through on obligations, and approach challenges with determination.
• Rarefied Passion: act with integrity, keep improving, respond to feedback, and champion the brand, customer, and product.
• Refinement: maintain exceptional attention to detail in everything you do.

Benefits

The company offers an environment that values hard work, innovation, leadership growth, and internal promotion. Employees are supported in pursuing the next step in their careers.

Health and Wellbeing Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and dependent care accounts
• Commuter and parking savings accounts
• Traditional 401(k) enrollment
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Voluntary additional life and disability coverage for spouse and children
• Basic life and disability coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Accident and critical illness coverage
• Employee assistance programs
• Pet insurance
• Personal clothing discount and clothing allotment

Additional Notes

Benefit availability depends on location and employment type, and some benefits may have eligibility requirements. The company may amend or withdraw benefits at any time. In addition to the listed benefits, the role includes a competitive pay and benefits package with an employee clothing allotment and discount. The employer is an equal opportunity employer.