Director of Apparel Decoration and Production

Job Type Full-time Description What sets us apart? Competitive compensation plan, base salary, and annual incentive Health Benefits: medical, dental, vision, short term and long- term disability and wellness programs 401-k plan with company match Comprehensive Paid Time Off and Holidays Continuing Education Reimbursement Collaborative and Innovative work environment Company Overview Vantage Apparel is the nation's top source for custom logo apparel, serving as the premier choice of renowned global brands. Established in 1977, we have consistently demonstrated B2B innovation in the promotional apparel industry and earned the prestigious designation of one of the "Best Places to Work" in our field. In 2024, our commitment to excellence in apparel decoration was underscored by consecutive securing the 28th PPAI Gold Pyramid award for embroidery, consistently recognized in ASI Counselor® Magazine's Top 40 company, and the PPAI Gold Pyramid for Marketing content. These honors affirm our persistent dedication to setting industry standards. Role Highlights Vantage Apparel is seeking an experienced and innovative Director of Apparel Decoration & Production to lead and oversee all aspects of our decoration operations, including embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, laser engraving, and direct-to-film (DTF). This position is crucial to ensuring that our decoration services meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of apparel decoration processes, a passion for quality, and the leadership skills to drive process improvements and team success. Essential Duties Oversee all apparel decoration processes, including embroidery, screen printing, heat transfers, laser decoration, and DTF, ensuring the highest quality and consistency. Stay up-to-date on industry trends and emerging technologies. Introduce new decoration techniques and technologies to improve product offerings and operational efficiency. Streamline operations by identifying areas for improvement in workflow, production, and quality assurance. Develop and implement robust quality control processes to ensure all decorated products meet Vantage's high standards. Train, mentor, and lead the apparel decoration team, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to perform at their best. Manage the department budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while maintaining top-tier quality and output. Collaborate with customer experience teams to ensure seamless communication regarding custom orders, decoration specifications, and delivery timelines. Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Extensive knowledge of embroidery, screen printing, DTF, laser engraving, heat transfers, and other decoration methods. Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience overseeing a diverse team of operators and technicians. Ability to stay ahead of trends and bring innovative decoration techniques to Vantage's offerings. Strong focus on quality assurance and process optimization. Ability to work cross-functionally with various departments to meet customer expectations and deadlines. Proven track record of identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions in a fast-paced production environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas to internal teams and external clients. Proven experience in apparel manufacturing, with a strong background in operating and managing large-scale embroidery and screen printing facilities. Demonstrated experience in managing and leading a team of 180+ employees in a production environment. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree (B.A) in Business Administration, Operations Management, Textile Engineering, or a related field. Minimum of 4+ years of experience in apparel decoration, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership role. Computer Skills Demonstrated high proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations May be required to have a valid driver's license and meet Vantage Driver Approval requirements. At Vantage Apparel we are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Created: 2024-10-29