Production Manager

Purpose of the Role

As Production Manager at 16Arlington, you will oversee the end-to-end execution of the seasonal production cycle, ensuring timely delivery, exceptional quality, and adherence to margin targets. You will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, supplier collaboration, and continuous process improvement within a fast-paced luxury fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Execution
  • Develop and lead the seasonal production schedule, ensuring timely ordering of raw materials and fabrics and sample approvals.
  • Allocate production across factories to meet delivery timelines and margin goals.
  • Raise and manage all supplier purchase orders (POs), ensuring capacity is secured in advance.
  • Create seasonal CP’s to align dates cross functionally and maintain on-time deliveries.
  • Monitor and report on key milestones across sampling, grading, QC, and logistics issuing delivery updates to stakeholders.
  • Make bulk raw material bookings for fabric and trims maintaining delivery schedule for production.
• Cost & Margin Management
  • Negotiate raw material and manufacturing costs to optimize product margins.
  • Track and manage all production-related spending, ensuring alignment with business signatories.
  • Conduct end-of-season margin analysis and reconciliation, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Supplier & Vendor Management
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers.
  • Ensure all sourcing agreements are in place prior to production commencement.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to uphold quality standards and resolve any production issues.
• Tech Packs, Sampling & Fittings
  • In collaboration with the development and design teams, oversee the creation and accuracy of detailed tech packs.
  • Manage the launch and tracking of production samples, ensuring alignment with critical path timelines.
  • Coordinate and lead fit sessions, including production handovers and PPS (Pre-Production Sample) fittings, ensuring all feedback is actioned and communicated effectively to suppliers.
  • Ensure all sample approvals are completed in line with production deadlines and quality expectations.
• Quality Control & Compliance
  • Oversee quality control processes to ensure all products meet 16Arlington’s standards.
  • Proactively manage and resolve quality issues and production delays.
  • Stay abreast of the changing regulatory landscape in all selling regions, ensuring that product is updated as necessary to ensure its global compliance.
• Logistics and Stock Management
  • Book and track all shipments of raw materials from material suppliers to UK, Europe and far east based factories.
  • Manage finished goods deliveries from factory to UK based warehouse, monitor shipments and raise ASN’s.
  • Allocate stock to Wholesale and Ecommerce SO’s communicating discrepancies with the warehouse and internally.
• Team Leadership & Coordination
  • Manage and mentor the Production Coordinator, providing clear direction, support, and development opportunities.
  • Delegate tasks effectively while ensuring alignment with overall production goals and timelines.
  • Foster a collaborative and proactive working environment, encouraging ownership and accountability within the team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Product Development, Technical, Sales, and Finance teams to align production with business objectives.
  • Support cash flow planning and budget forecasting for seasonal and special projects.
  • Communicate production risks and updates to senior management in a timely manner.

Experience & Skills Required

• 5+ years in production management within the luxury RTW (Ready-to-Wear) sector.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills with a track record of building effective supplier relationships.
• Deep understanding of garment construction, pattern cutting, grading, and some technical knowledge of fabrics.
• Highly organized with a detail-oriented mindset and a commitment to delivering excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel and experience using Zedonk necessary.
• Capable of making decisions independently.
• To have a positive, hands on and “can-do” attitude, with excellent interpersonal skills.