Production Manager

Director of Production 

Location: New York, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Production / Operations
Schedule: Full-Time
Salary:  Based on Experience
 

Job Description

An established home décor and home textiles company with over 35 years of industry experience is seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Director of Production to oversee domestic and international production operations.

This senior leadership position is responsible for managing the entire production lifecycle, from purchase order placement and manufacturing through delivery and payment coordination, while ensuring operational efficiency, cost control, product quality, and on-time execution.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in global manufacturing, production management, overseas vendor relationships, supply chain operations, and process improvement.

This individual will oversee a production team of approximately 5–10 employees, collaborate with executive leadership, and implement scalable systems to support continued business growth.

Key Responsibilities Production Management & Operations

• Oversee domestic and international production operations across home textiles, home décor, and consumer product categories.

• Manage the complete purchase order lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and timely delivery.

• Develop production strategies to optimize manufacturing capacity, lead times, costs, and operational performance.

• Monitor production schedules, order statuses, and manufacturing timelines.

• Ensure products are delivered on time and meet major retail customers' requirements.

• Identify potential production delays and proactively implement solutions.

• Coordinate with Sales, Product Development, Sourcing, Logistics, and Finance departments.

• Manage high-volume production operations involving extensive SKU assortments.

Vendor & International Manufacturing Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and overseas factories and suppliers.

• Oversee vendor performance related to product quality, pricing, production timelines, and delivery.

• Negotiate manufacturing schedules, production costs, and vendor agreements.

• Establish supplier performance metrics and accountability standards.

• Resolve manufacturing challenges and address supply chain disruptions.

• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce operational costs.

• Ensure manufacturing partners meet company standards and customer expectations.

• Conduct factory visits and vendor meetings as needed.

Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency

• Evaluate existing production processes and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Implement standardized procedures to streamline workflows and improve productivity.

• Reduce manual processes through automation and technology.

• Develop reporting systems and dashboards to improve production visibility.

• Monitor production KPIs and operational performance.

• Utilize ERP systems, Excel, and emerging technologies to improve tracking, planning, and decision-making.

• Develop scalable systems to support increasing order volumes and SKU complexity.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities throughout production and supply chain operations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and mentor a production team of approximately 5–10 employees.

• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability measures.

• Provide guidance and support to improve team productivity and operational performance.

• Coach employees on vendor management, problem-solving, and production execution.

• Foster a collaborative, proactive, and results-oriented work environment.

• Ensure effective communication between production staff and other departments.

• Participate in leadership meetings and provide strategic recommendations to senior management.

Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with executive leadership to align production operations with business objectives.

• Develop long-term production strategies to support company growth.

• Collaborate with Sales and Product Development to coordinate product launches and customer orders.

• Partner with Logistics to ensure efficient shipping and delivery schedules.

• Coordinate with Finance regarding production costs, vendor payments, and financial planning.

• Provide leadership with regular updates on production performance, challenges, and opportunities.

• Identify operational risks and develop strategies to minimize disruptions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in production, manufacturing, supply chain, or operations required.

• Previous leadership and management experience required.

• Proven experience managing domestic and international production operations.

• Strong background in overseas factory management and vendor negotiations.

• Experience managing high-volume production environments with large SKU assortments.

• Demonstrated experience overseeing purchase orders, production schedules, and manufacturing timelines.

• Experience leading and developing teams of approximately 5–10 employees.

• Strong understanding of supply chain management, production planning, and operational efficiency.

• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements, automation, and cost-reduction initiatives.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.

• Experience using ERP systems, production tracking software, or supply chain management platforms.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on operational responsibilities.

• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in home textiles, bedding, home décor, consumer products, or consumer packaged goods (CPG).

• Familiarity with major retail customers and retailer compliance requirements.

• Experience working with international manufacturing partners.

• Bilingual English and Chinese preferred.

• Experience implementing technology-driven production improvements and automation.

• Strong understanding of international manufacturing processes and global supply chains.