Production Manager
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Production Manager based in the United States.
This role leads brand merchandise projects from initial proposal through final delivery, balancing creative quality, client expectations, budgets, and operational execution.
You’ll manage sourcing, vendor relationships, production timelines, estimates, and fulfillment across a variety of branded merchandise programs.
The position combines project ownership with hands-on production expertise, giving you responsibility for both the details and the bigger picture.
You’ll collaborate closely with account, creative, warehouse, logistics, and client teams to keep projects moving smoothly.
For smaller programs, you’ll take full ownership from start to finish, while larger initiatives will involve leading specific workstreams within a broader team.
The environment is fast-moving, collaborative, and highly client-focused, with an emphasis on creative thinking and practical problem-solving.
This is an opportunity to take meaningful ownership of projects while working with innovative brands across technology and entertainment.
Accountabilities
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Lead small and medium-sized merchandise programs from estimating and sourcing through production, fulfillment, and delivery.
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Manage project workstreams across product sourcing, decoration, production, logistics, and fulfillment while maintaining timelines and budgets.
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Source products and production methods that align with the client's creative direction, brand standards, quality expectations, and budget.
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Research vendors, obtain and compare quotes, negotiate pricing and timelines, and maintain accurate vendor information.
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Develop and manage estimates, sales orders, purchase orders, invoices, pricing, margins, and project profitability.
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Coordinate with vendors regarding production updates, samples, proofs, mockups, order status, and delivery requirements.
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Review production samples and proofs to support quality control and ensure final products meet expectations.
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Maintain accurate project and order-management systems so internal teams have clear visibility into current status and next steps.
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Communicate project scope, timelines, deliverables, risks, and status proactively with clients and internal stakeholders.
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Lead client communication for smaller programs and support account managers on larger integrated projects.
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Coordinate with warehouse teams on inventory, fulfillment, and operational requirements.
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Identify risks and potential delays early, developing solutions and recommendations rather than simply escalating problems.
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Collaborate across production, account management, creative, warehouse, and logistics teams to ensure smooth execution.
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Continuously improve project processes, systems, and workflows to increase efficiency, accuracy, and client value.
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4+ years of experience in project coordination, production, promotional products, merchandise, or a related field, with exposure to vendor management and order execution.
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Working knowledge of promotional product sourcing, printing and decoration methods, production workflows, and fulfillment.
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Experience managing vendors, obtaining quotes, coordinating production, and tracking orders through completion.
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Strong financial acumen, including comfort with pricing, margins, estimates, sales calculations, and project profitability.
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Experience with order-management systems and/or e-commerce platforms such as CommonSKU, SAGE, Shopify, or similar tools.
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Proficiency with Google Workspace, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Calendar, with the ability to quickly learn new systems and technologies.
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Familiarity with incorporating AI-powered tools into day-to-day workflows is a plus.
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Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple concurrent projects, deadlines, and priorities.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
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Proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving, with a demonstrated ability to anticipate needs and take ownership of outcomes.
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Comfortable working independently, making decisions, and moving projects forward without waiting for constant direction.
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Strong client-service mindset and the ability to build trusted professional relationships.
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Adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change.
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Demonstrated commitment to quality, continuous improvement, transparency, and effective teamwork.
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Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
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Competitive compensation based on experience and capabilities.
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Fully remote, work-from-anywhere environment within the United States.
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Flexible work schedule.
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Opportunity to work with innovative and high-profile brands in technology and entertainment.
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Small, collaborative team with direct access to leadership.
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Significant ownership and creative freedom across projects.
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Opportunity to develop broader expertise in production, operations, vendor management, and client services.
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Potential travel to client sites, trade shows, team offsites, and vendor facilities as business needs require.
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Growth opportunities within a fast-moving brand merchandise and promotional products environment.