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Production Manager jobs
A Production Manager oversees how a fashion collection moves from confirmed sample to finished, shipped garment, managing factories, timelines and quality along the way. Labels hire for this role when they need someone to keep manufacturing on schedule and within spec, whether working with in-house ateliers or external partners. This page lists current openings, sometimes titled production coordinator or manufacturing manager, at European fashion brands.
Also hired as: production coordinator · manufacturing manager
Open Production Manager roles
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The role, in practice
Working as a Production Manager
What the job actually involves
The daily work centres on communication as much as logistics. You are chasing fabric deliveries, approving pre-production samples, checking measurements against spec sheets, and flagging problems before they become late deliveries. A lot of the role is translating between design intent and factory capability, so clear, patient communication with suppliers matters as much as technical garment knowledge.
Depending on the label, you might manage a single atelier producing made-to-order pieces, as seen in roles like Head of Atelier, or coordinate multiple external factories across seasons, closer to what a Production Coordinator handles.
What hiring managers look for
Employers want proof you can run a production calendar without things slipping. That usually means experience with tech packs, costing, and quality control, plus comfort using production management software or ERP systems. Language skills help too, especially if factories are based outside your home market.
Career progression tends to move from coordinator roles into full Production Manager positions, then on to Head of Production or Operations Director as you take on bigger teams and supplier relationships.
Common questions
Becoming a Production Manager
What qualifications do you need to become a Production Manager in fashion?
Most people move into this role after a few years in production coordination, merchandising, or garment technology, often with a fashion, textiles or business-related qualification. Practical knowledge of pattern cutting, fabric properties and factory processes tends to matter more than the specific degree. Strong organisational skills and experience managing suppliers or timelines are usually non-negotiable.
Is Production Manager a good career change from other fashion roles?
Yes, it is a common move for people coming from design, merchandising or quality control who want more responsibility over how a collection is actually made. The transition works best if you already understand garment construction and have some exposure to supplier or factory relationships. Roles like Production Coordinator can be a useful stepping stone into the full manager title.
What is the difference between a Production Manager and a Product Manager in fashion?
A Production Manager is focused on manufacturing, meaning factory relationships, timelines and quality control once a design is finalised. A Product Manager, as seen in roles like the one at By-Bar, sits earlier in the process, shaping the range, pricing and commercial direction of a collection. The two roles work closely together but cover different stages of getting a garment to market.
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