Job Description

What sets us apart?

• Competitive compensation plan, base salary, and annual incentive
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, vision, short term and long- term disability and wellness programs
• 401-k plan with company match
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Continuing Education Reimbursement
• Collaborative and Innovative work environment

COMPANY

Vantage Apparel is a leading global supplier of custom logo apparel, offering a wide range of high-quality garments and accessories for corporate, promotional, and teamwear needs. As the exclusive provider of Greg Norman®, POLO® Ralph Lauren®, Xtreme Visibility™, Redwood Classics™, and Lane Seven Apparel, Vantage has been the industry’s top-awarded decorator for 30 consecutive years. Since 2021, the company has expanded its global footprint through its partnership with Lynka, a leading imprinted apparel supplier in Europe, further strengthening its international presence. Recognized as an ASI Top 40 Supplier and a PPAI Top 100 Supplier (#12 in 2025), Vantage leverages more than four decades of experience to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service to customers worldwide. A multiple “Best Places to Work” award winner, Vantage has been a leading B2B innovator in the promotional apparel industry since 1977, with its Santa Ana facility playing a critical role in supporting on-demand production capabilities and driving continued growth.

ROLE HIGHLIGHTS

The Production Manager plays a critical role in leading all operations at Vantage Apparel’s Santa Ana decoration facility, overseeing daily production across embroidery and Direct-to-Film (DTF) processes. This hands-on, results-driven leader is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, maintaining high-quality standards, and delivering on-time production while fostering a high-performance team culture. Building on Vantage’s commitment to excellence, this role drives scalability and continuous improvement initiatives to support growth and uphold the company’s reputation as a best-in-class decorated apparel supplier.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversee day-to-day production activities across embroidery and Direct-to-Film (DTF) departments.
• Manage production schedules to meet customer deadlines and service level expectations.
• Optimize workflow, capacity planning, and labor utilization to maximize efficiency.
• Direct management of inventory levels and replenishment for all key consumables.
• Oversee budget, workforce planning, and operational efficiency, maintaining full ownership of cost performance, labor productivity, and margin improvement.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of production supervisors, machine operators, and support staff.
• Drive accountability, engagement, and performance across all shifts, ensuring ownership of operational results and overall business outcomes.
• Partner with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Maintain strict quality control standards to ensure consistency across all decorated products.
• Implement and enforce SOPs and best practices across all production processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and company policies.
• Implement process improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and control costs.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including productivity, efficiency, error rates, and on-time delivery.
• Partner cross-functionally with Customer Service, Inventory, Sourcing, and IT to streamline operations.
• Oversee maintenance and performance of embroidery machines and DTF equipment.
• Ensure proper facility organization, cleanliness, and adherence to safety standards.
• Coordinate with vendors for equipment servicing and upgrades.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate Profile

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Demonstrate forward-thinking leadership with strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a respectful coaching approach.
• Manage operating budgets, drive cost efficiency, labor productivity, and margin growth.
• Strong knowledge of embroidery and/or Direct-to-Film (DTF) processes preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Experience with production planning systems and operational KPIs.
• Proven ability to scale operations effectively in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and safety.
• Effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects, solving both simple and complex operational challenges.
• Exhibit outstanding written and verbal communication skills to ensure clear and effective interaction with clients and team members.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE COMPUTER SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree (B.A) in Business Administration, Operations Management or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in production or operations management, preferably in decorated apparel or a similar manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated high proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

At Vantage Apparel we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally protected status.