About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to own end-to-end production execution for JAG, ensuring every style is delivered on time, in full, within budget, and to the highest quality standard. This role is primarily focused on production: critical path ownership, vendor and factory management, PO lifecycle management, and delivery performance.
Responsibilities
- Own the critical path end-to-end from PO placement through to bulk delivery, driving on-time-in-full (OTIF) performance across all seasonal collections.
- Manage the day-to-day PO lifecycle: uploads, amendments, delivery date changes, and fast-track / speed-to-market additions.
- Track key production milestones; proactively escalate risk on delay, cost, or quality variance, with a clear resolution plan attached.
- Resolve production bottlenecks directly with vendors, coordinating closely with Planning, Merchandising, and Design on any knock-on impacts.
- Maintain data accuracy across Style Arcade, the Range Plan, Delivery Boards, and the Development Cost Tracker for all in-production styles.
- Continuously improve production workflows to increase speed to market without compromising quality.
- Manage the day-to-day vendor relationships across both CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) and FOB (Free on Board) production models, including capacity planning and order allocation.
- Monitor vendor performance against on-time delivery, quality, and cost benchmarks; drive corrective action plans where standards slip.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with offshore manufacturing partners across key regions, including China, Vietnam, India.
- Lead sourcing conversations to improve margins, negotiate costings, and support speed-to-market delivery.
- Consolidate fabric requirements across the range to enable bulk buying, and forecast greige holdings.
- Assess and onboard new vendor partners, including capability and compliance checks, in partnership with the Senior Designer and General Manager.
- Feed production and vendor performance data into sourcing decisions to inform vendor rationalisation and allocation.
- Own the accuracy of production cost data in the Development Cost Tracker and Range Plan — costs, supplier information, MOQ, lead times, and delivery windows.
- Report on production budget, cost of goods, and margin performance to the General Manager.
- In collaboration with the QC team, ensure quality assurance and fit standards are consistently met, resolving issues early in the production cycle.
- Initiate and manage in partnership with QC team the development of new fabrications.
- Coordinating with mills and factories to ensure timely submission of initial testing in line with critical path deadlines.
- Oversee timely PO placement in line with vendor capacity and brand guidelines.
- Ensure all vendors comply with the company's ethical, social, and environmental policies and standards.
- Partner with the Group Sustainability Manager to embed ethical and sustainable practice into production and vendor management.
- Identify opportunities for sustainable material and process innovation in partnership with Supply Chain & Logistics and Design teams.
Requirements
- 2+ years' experience in production or sourcing management within fashion/apparel, ideally at brand or group level.
- Proven experience working with both CMT and FOB production models.
- Proven experience managing offshore manufacturing across key regions, including Vietnam, China, India.
- Strong fabric and construction knowledge; design or product development background is highly desirable given the close partnership with the Senior Designer.
- Confident working with PLM or range-planning systems (e.g. Style Arcade) and cost tracking tools.
- Outstanding negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder communication skills.
- A strategic thinker with a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving and negotiation.
- Results-driven, with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
- Highly collaborative and adaptable, thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, with the ability to build and inspire high-performing teams.
Skills
- Production Management
- Critical Path Management
- Vendor Management
- Factory Management
- PO Lifecycle Management
- Delivery Performance
- Sourcing
- Costing
- Budget Control
- Quality Assurance
- Compliance
- Sustainability
- Negotiation
- Analytical Skills
- Stakeholder Communication
- PLM Systems
- Range Planning Systems
- Style Arcade
- Cost Tracking Tools
Location
- Australia
Work Type
- Hybrid
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Experienced
- 2+ years
Benefits
- 50% off all our brands
- Flexible working options – hybrid WFH and beautiful studio/office space
- 4pm Friday finishes and true work/life balance
- Birthday leave + monthly social events, morning teas & more
- Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
- Paid Parental Leave
About the Company
- A leader in the Australian fashion industry, APG & Co designs and manages Sportscraft, SABA and JAG.
- For over 50 years, APG & Co. has curated, grown and evolved these brands to be at the forefront of Australian fashion.
- We celebrate our history while allowing our brands to express themselves in contemporary, relevant and authentic ways.
- The working environment is dynamic, professional and passionate.
- The mission: Bringing Style to Life.
- APG & Co values working as a collective, thriving on change, and playing to win.
- We are built to last.
