Apparel Production Operator

The Apparel Production Operator supports daily apparel production and customization operations in a fast-paced environment. This role is responsible for assisting with garment preparation, customization, quality inspection, packaging, and material handling to ensure customer orders are completed accurately, efficiently, safely, and on time. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, team-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of quality and productivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties and responsibilities include the following; other duties may be assigned:

Production Operations

• Assist with daily apparel production and customization activities based on production schedules and workflow priorities.
• Prepare garments and materials for printing, customization, finishing, packaging, and shipment.
• Operate basic production equipment and tools in accordance with company procedures and safety standards.
• Support customization processes including heat transfer, DTF printing support, labeling, tagging, folding, and packaging activities.
• Follow work instructions, production specifications, and quality requirements to ensure accurate order completion.
• Maintain productivity standards while ensuring attention to detail and product accuracy.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, maintenance and organization of production workstations and materials.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors, team leads, and team members to meet daily production goals.

Equipment Ownership

Quality Assurance

• Inspect garments and finished products for defects, print alignment, color consistency, sizing accuracy, and overall product quality.  
• Report quality concerns, damaged materials, or production issues to leadership promptly.
• Ensure customer specifications and company quality standards are consistently followed.
• Support rework, relabeling, or correction activities as needed.

Inventory & Material Handling

• Move, organize, sort, and stage apparel, supplies, and production materials throughout the work area.
• Assist with inventory counts and material tracking as assigned.
• Maintain organized storage areas and follow inventory control procedures.
• Minimize material waste through proper handling and efficient work practices.
• Load and unload inventory on and off racks, pallets, skids, conveyers, and lifting devices.
• Use the warehouse management system to locate, scan, and pull inventory.
• Document put-away and task information to assure proper tracking and inventory information is completed.
• Read production schedule, customer order, work order, shipping order, and requisition to determine items to be moved, gathered, or distributed.
• Move materials from receiving and storage areas to shipping or other designated areas.
• Sort materials onto racks, shelves, or into bins according to predetermined sequence, such as size, type, style, color, or product code.
• Assist shipping, receiving, loading, and unloading trucks.

Production Metrics and meeting measurable KPI’s.

• Pieces per hour
• First-pass quality
• Rework percentage
• On-time completion
• Scrap rate

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety procedures, operational standards, and workplace policies. 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Properly use personal protective equipment and production tools as required.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, or equipment concerns to leadership.
• Perform routine inspection on equipment and refer needed repairs to supervisor.

Teamwork & Communication

• Communicate professionally and effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
• Support teamwork by assisting coworkers and contributing to a positive and respectful workplace culture. 
• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting various production areas based on operational needs.

Required Key Skills and Qualifications: 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); three (3) months or more related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous production, warehouse, manufacturing, customization, or apparel experience preferred but not required.
• Beginner level of experience in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance, instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or carry up to fifty pounds (50 lbs.).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment to meet goals and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Basic problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in apparel production, customization, printing, or distribution environments.
• Familiarity with heat press equipment, garment printing, labeling, or finishing processes.
• Basic understanding of production workflows and quality control standards.
• Experience using handheld scanners or inventory systems is a plus.

Preferred Soft Skills

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Team-oriented mindset with willingness to assist others.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new processes and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and remain productive throughout the shift.
• Accountability and reliability in completing assigned tasks.

Working Conditions:

This position operates in a production, warehouse, or manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to production equipment, moving materials, and varying temperatures. Noise levels may range from moderate to loud depending on operational activity. Employees may work near printing equipment, conveyors, heat applications, and material-handling equipment. Based on the operational production environments outlined in the apparel customization and merchandising roles. 

The role requires frequent standing, walking, and moving throughout the facility, including navigating between aisles, racks, and storage locations.

Employees are expected to maintain a clean, safe workspace and follow all company safety policies and operational procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and move throughout the production area for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions including bending, reaching, and handling production materials.
• Ability to work safely in a production environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and equipment exposure.
• Visual ability to inspect print quality, alignment, and color accuracy.