81E - Admin - Production Manager-81Eighty

Production ManagerJob Summary:The 81Eighty Production Manager oversees the end-to-end production coordination process for branded merchandise and promotional products. This role leads a team of Production Coordinators and Associates, ensuring orders are executed accurately, on time, and within budget. The Production Manager plays a critical role in vendor management, invoicing accuracy, and cross-functional collaboration with Warehouse and Accountingteams to support seamless delivery of client orders.

Key Responsibilities:Team Leadership & Development• Manage, mentor, and support a team of Production Coordinators handling promotional product orders• Act as the primary escalation point for order-related questions, vendor issues, and production challenges• Lead onboarding and training of new team members on systems, processes, and industry best practices (e.g., sourcing, decoration methods, timelines)• Conduct bi-weekly one-on-one meetings to support performance, development, and goal setting• Foster a fast-paced, solutions-oriented team culture focused on accuracy and client satisfaction

Production & Order Management• Oversee the full lifecycle of promotional product orders-from purchase order placement through production, shipment, and delivery• Ensure Production Coordinators are effectively managing timelines, proofs, vendor communication, and order status updates

• Monitor order progress to proactively identify and resolve delays, quality issues, or vendor constraints• Implement and improve processes to enhance efficiency, scalability, and service levels• Manage reporting related to production volume, order status, inventory and attributing

Vendor & Invoicing Management• Support building vendor relationships through strong communication, reliability, and quality standards• Monitor the invoicing lifecycle, ensuring all vendor invoices are received, reviewed, and processed in a timely manner• Review and approve invoice coding for accuracy across products, freight, decoration, and additional charges (e.g., rush fees, setup fees)• Partner closely with Accounting to resolve discrepancies, track accruals, and ensure financial accuracy• Ensure adherence to pricing, margin, and billing guidelinesCross-Functional Collaboration• Maintain strong working relationships with Warehouse teams to ensure accurate receiving, inventory handling, kitting, and fulfillment of promotional products• Collaborate with Accounting on invoicing, reconciliation, and financial reporting• Partner with Sales/Account teams as needed to support client deliverables, timelines, and issue resolution• Serve as a key liaison to ensure alignment across all stages of the order lifecycle

Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3-5+ years of experience in promotional products, branded merchandise, or a related production/operations environment• Previous experience managing or mentoring a team preferred• Strong understanding of promotional product workflows, including sourcing, decoration methods (screen print, embroidery, etc.), and vendor management• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills• Proficiency in ERP/order management systems and Microsoft ExcelKey Competencies:• Knowledge of promotional product production processes• Vendor negotiation and relationship management• Attention to detail and financial accuracy• Ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven work• Leadership and team development• Cross-functional collaboration