Sampling & Production Manager (Apparel)KnitwearLocation
Bangalore + Tirupur (Regular Travel Required)
Role Overview
You will be responsible for converting design concepts into production-ready garments while ensuring consistency, quality, fit, costing, and execution across all stages of development and manufacturing.
You will work closely with founders, designers, factories, vendors, and production teams to build scalable systems and deliver exceptional products.
This role combines:
- Product Development
- Sampling
- Patterning Coordination
- Fit Development
- Production Management
- Quality Assurance
- Vendor Management
Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & Sampling
- Own the end-to-end sampling process from design handover to final approved sample.
- Review design concepts and determine construction, trims, fabrics, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Develop clear measurement specifications and technical requirements.
- Coordinate proto samples, fit samples, salesman samples, size sets, pre-production samples, and production approvals.
- Ensure all samples are completed within agreed timelines.
Fit, Pattern & Technical Development
- Work closely with pattern makers and technical teams to develop and refine garment fits.
- Review patterns, measurements, grading, and construction details.
- Identify fit issues and implement corrections.
- Ensure consistency across all sizes through proper grading and size-set approvals.
- Establish and maintain master patterns and approved fit blocks.
Production Readiness
- Create and maintain production-ready specifications.
- Verify all approvals before bulk production.
- Ensure approved measurements, trims, fabrics, wash standards, and construction details are accurately communicated to factories.
- Conduct pre-production meetings and bulk readiness reviews.
Factory & Vendor Management
- Coordinate with factories, fabric mills, washing units, printers, embroiderers, and trim suppliers.
- Track critical paths and production timelines.
- Resolve development and production bottlenecks.
- Build strong relationships with manufacturing partners.
Quality Management
- Establish quality standards across all product categories.
- Monitor workmanship, measurements, fabric performance, shrinkage, color fastness, and garment finishing.
- Review pilot runs and bulk production.
- Implement corrective actions when quality issues arise.
Systems & Process Development
- Build and maintain a structured product development process.
- Create and manage:
- Tech Packs
- Measurement Charts
- Grading Standards
- Master CAD Files
- Approved Fit Libraries
- Production SOPs
- Quality Checklists
- Help create a scalable product development and production system independent of individual factories.
Production Management
- Monitor production progress from cutting through packing.
- Ensure production adheres to approved standards.
- Coordinate approvals and inspections.
- Support planning, capacity allocation, and delivery timelines.
Ideal CandidateRequired Experience
- 10+ years of experience in knitwear apparel sampling, technical development, production, or manufacturing.
- Strong exposure to knitwear and garment manufacturing.
- Experience working with export houses, manufacturers, or apparel brands.
- Understanding of garment construction and fit development.
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of:
- Pattern Making
- Grading
- Garment Measurements
- Fit Analysis
- Shrinkage Management
- Sewing Construction
- Quality Standards
- Fabric Behaviour
- Wash Processes
- Familiarity with CAD systems such as Richpeace, Gerber, Lectra, Tukatech, or equivalent.
- Ability to read and review technical packs and measurement specifications.
Personal Qualities
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Strong problem-solving ability.
- Comfortable working independently.
- Strong communication skills across factories, vendors, and internal teams.
- Hands-on mindset with willingness to be on the factory floor when needed.
- Takes ownership and accountability.
Bonus Points
- Experience building products for emerging fashion brands.
- Experience across both men's and women's apparel.
- Experience setting up technical systems and SOPs from scratch.
- Strong understanding of premium basics and casualwear.
Compensation
- Competitive and based on experience.
