Apparel Factory Operations Manager

ABOUT US:

Mello is a premium custom merchandise and production company based in Austin, Texas. We work with fast-growing brands in food, beverage, lifestyle, hospitality, and retail to create high-quality, design-forward apparel, headwear, and branded goods that people actually want to wear and keep.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking an experienced Apparel Factory Operations Manager to lead and scale our production environment in Austin Texas, which includes screen printing, embroidery, and light seamstress services. This role requires hands-on technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to streamline workflows while maintaining exceptional quality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Oversee daily production operations across screen printing, embroidery, and sewing.

- Manage scheduling, staffing, quality control, and throughput targets.

- Implement SOPs to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure repeatable best practices.

- Train and lead production staff, ensuring safety and quality standards are consistently met.

- Troubleshoot machinery, inks, dyes, embroidery equipment, presses, dryers, and QC issues.

- Coordinate with account managers and leadership on job timelines and production forecasting.

- Maintain inventory for blanks, inks, chemicals, dyes, threads, consumables, and equipment maintenance.

- Optimize factory layout, order flow, and equipment utilization.

- Support R&D on new decoration techniques, garment treatments, and specialty print methods.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

- 5+ years of hands-on production experience in a screen printing, embroidery, or fashion manufacturing environment.

- Experience managing a production team.

- Strong technical understanding of print methods, ink systems, dye processes, pretreatment, tensions, and QC standards.

- Cut/sew production experience a plus, willingness to learn a must.

- Experience with production scheduling, workflow planning, and equipment troubleshooting.

- Comfortable in a fast-paced, growing custom merchandise environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Experience scaling a production floor or launching new capabilities.

- Knowledge of Lean, 5S, or similar operational frameworks.

- Ability to adapt quickly and implement structure in evolving environments.

COMPENSATION:

- Competitive salary based on experience.

- Paid holidays + paid time off.

- Growth opportunities as our operation expands.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit your resume, brief cover letter, and (optional) portfolio of past operational achievements.