Production Manager

Production Manager (Apparel) - Walmart Programs

Employment Type: Full-Time
Open on salary - must have Walmart experience.

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager with a proven track record managing large-scale apparel programs specifically for Walmart. This role is responsible for end-to-end production management, from purchase order through final delivery, ensuring all product is on time, on spec, and fully compliant with Walmart standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full apparel production lifecycle for Walmart programs, from PO issuance through shipment and delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Walmart production, calendar, and compliance requirements.
• Plan and manage production capacity across domestic and overseas factories to meet ship dates and seasonal calendars.
• Lead costing negotiations and margin management while maintaining quality and delivery expectations.
• Monitor WIP, track production milestones, and maintain accurate Walmart production reports and calendars.
• Ensure all styles meet Walmart compliance requirements, including:

• Packaging, labeling, and ticketing standards
• Product testing, safety, and performance requirements
• Social compliance, audit readiness, and ethical sourcing expectations

• Partner closely with Design, Technical Design, Sourcing, QA, and Logistics to align timelines and deliverables.
• Identify risks to on-time delivery or quality and implement corrective action with factories and internal teams.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve on-time performance.
• Provide clear, consistent communication of production status, issues, and solutions to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3-7+ years of apparel production experience, ideally in a Production Manager or advanced Coordinator role.
• Direct, hands-on experience managing apparel production for Walmart is required.
• Strong understanding of:

• Apparel manufacturing processes and garment construction
• Costing, margin management, and vendor negotiation
• Walmart production calendars, routing, and compliance processes

• Experience running high-volume, value-focused apparel programs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple styles, programs, and timelines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, follow-up, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel; experience with PLM or similar production systems.
• Experience working with overseas factories (e.g., Asia, Central America or similar regions).

Preferred Experience

• Background in core apparel categories such as knits, wovens, activewear, kids, or intimates.
• Familiarity with Walmart systems, including EDI, GTINs, ticketing, and packaging standards.
• Experience supporting big-box or mass retail accounts in a fast-paced environment.