Cut & Sew Manager

The Cut & Sew Manager is responsible for overseeing all cut-and-sew manufacturing operations within the facility. This role manages personnel, production flow, quality standards, workflow efficiency, training, and daily output. The Cut & Sew Manager ensures that production goals are achieved safely, efficiently, and consistently while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship and quality.

This position serves as the primary leader on the production floor for all cutting, sewing, assembly, and related manufacturing activities.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Direct daily cut-and-sew operations to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
• Coordinate workflow between cutting, sewing, assembly, finishing, and decoration departments.
• Monitor production capacity and identify bottlenecks.
• Ensure work orders are prioritized according to production schedules.
• Track daily output, efficiency, and labor utilization.
• Adjust staffing and workflow as production needs change.

Team Leadership

• Manage and supervise sewing operators, cutters, floor leads, and support staff.
• Conduct daily production meetings and shift start-up discussions.
• Train new employees on equipment, processes, and quality expectations.
• Coach employees to improve productivity and workmanship.
• Assist with performance reviews and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Quality Control

• Establish and maintain quality standards throughout production.
• Inspect production runs to ensure consistency and compliance with specifications.
• Reduce rework, defects, and material waste.
• Work with quality control personnel to resolve production issues.
• Ensure all products meet customer requirements before advancing to decoration or shipment.

Process Improvement

• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures.
• Improve workflow layouts and production processes.
• Recommend equipment, tooling, and workflow improvements.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for efficiency gains.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Production Planning Support

• Collaborate with the Production Manager regarding capacity planning and scheduling.
• Provide realistic production timelines and labor estimates.
• Communicate staffing needs and production challenges.
• Assist with production forecasting and resource planning.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all workplace safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure equipment is properly maintained and operated safely.
• Conduct routine safety inspections.
• Maintain compliance with applicable labor and workplace regulations.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in cut-and-sew manufacturing.
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction and sewing techniques.
• Experience operating or supervising industrial sewing equipment.
• Understanding of production scheduling and workflow management.
• Ability to read and interpret patterns, tech packs, work orders, and production specifications.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in domestic apparel manufacturing.
• Experience with headwear, bags, accessories, or promotional products.
• Knowledge of industrial cutting equipment and pattern-making processes.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The Cut & Sew Manager will be evaluated on:

• On-time production completion
• Labor efficiency
• Units produced per labor hour
• Quality defect rate
• Rework percentage
• Material waste percentage
• Employee retention
• Training completion rates
• Safety incidents
• Production downtime

Authority & Decision-Making

The Cut & Sew Manager has authority to:

• Assign production labor.
• Adjust workflow and production priorities.
• Stop production when quality or safety concerns arise.
• Recommend hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Implement process improvements to increase efficiency and quality.