Associate Production Manager - Boy & Newborn Woven (Contract)

Role Summary

The Associate Production Manager – Boy & Newborn Woven (Contract) will support end-to-end production and sourcing execution for the Boy and Newborn Woven categories.

This is a hands-on role requiring an experienced production professional who can quickly integrate into an active seasonal calendar, independently manage vendor communication, support costing and negotiations, and ensure timely execution of development and production milestones.

The role will partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Planning, Technical Design, Raw Materials, and external vendors to ensure products are delivered on time, within cost targets, and aligned with quality, safety, compliance, and brand standards.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

This is a contract role, 40 hours/week and hybrid/on-site 3 days per week at our San Francisco office. 

Key Responsibilities

Production & Sourcing Execution

• Manage day-to-day production and sourcing activities for Boy and Newborn Woven categories.
• Coordinate with vendors and sourcing agents on development, sampling, costing, production, and delivery timelines.
• Monitor seasonal calendars and ensure key milestones are achieved.
• Track production status, identify potential delays, and proactively drive issue resolution.
• Support vendor allocation, capacity planning, and production readiness.
• Manage vendor follow-up to ensure timely execution of outstanding deliverables.

Costing & Margin Management

• Support seasonal costing, vendor negotiations, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Review FOB costs, cost breakdowns, and vendor proposals to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Partner with vendors to evaluate alternative fabrics, trims, and construction options while maintaining design intent.
• Track costing changes and escalate risks that may impact margin targets.
• Ensure accurate and timely costing information is available for seasonal adoption and booking.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Design, Merchandising, Planning, Technical Design, and Raw Materials to support seasonal execution.
• Coordinate sample readiness, approvals, and production handoffs.
• Communicate production updates, risks, and action plans to internal partners.
• Follow up on outstanding decisions and deliverables to maintain seasonal timelines.
• Support adoption meetings, booking readiness, and seasonal production transitions.

Quality & Children's Product Compliance

• Demonstrate a working understanding of children's apparel safety and regulatory compliance requirements, including CPSIA.
• Partner with Technical Design, Quality Assurance, and vendors to ensure products meet applicable safety, testing, and quality standards.
• Understand compliance considerations for Boy and Newborn apparel, including trims, components, labeling, testing, and age-specific safety requirements.
• Identify and escalate potential quality or compliance risks early in development.
• Track required testing, approvals, and compliance documentation to support production readiness.

Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate product, costing, and production information within DESL, PLM, and internal tracking systems.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and Office applications to manage production reports, costing analysis, and seasonal tracking.
• Maintain accurate WIP reports, production calendars, and milestone trackers.
• Provide timely updates on production status, outstanding issues, and next steps.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting accuracy and day-to-day operational efficiency.

Expected Deliverables

• On-time execution of seasonal development, adoption, booking, and production milestones.
• Accurate and timely production tracking, WIP reports, and status updates.
• Costing analysis, vendor negotiation follow-up, and visibility into cost risks and opportunities.
• Sample readiness and approval tracking to support adoption and booking.
• Proactive identification and escalation of production, quality, compliance, and delivery risks.
• Timely vendor communication, follow-up, and issue resolution.
• Accurate maintenance of product and production data within DESL/PLM and Excel trackers.
• Cross-functional alignment on key decisions, deliverables, and seasonal timelines.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in apparel production, product development, sourcing, or related functions.
• Experience managing woven apparel categories; children's apparel experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of children's product safety and compliance requirements, including CPSIA and applicable testing standards.
• Experience working with overseas vendors, sourcing agents, and global production teams.
• Strong understanding of apparel costing, garment construction, fabric development, production processes, and lead times.
• Experience using DESL and/or other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and drive timely follow-through.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and quickly assuming responsibility for active seasonal programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel Production, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.