General Manager

Description

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for the apparel industry? We’re looking for a driven General Manager to join our team at Custom Patch Hats, a small but innovative apparel manufacturing company located in Raleigh, NC .

Job Summary:

The General Manager is essential to overseeing and enhancing production processes within our facility, with a focus on embroidery, laser cutting, stitching, heat pressing, and shipping & receiving operations. This position necessitates a strategic leader with a proven history in manufacturing management, who is capable of driving operational excellence and cultivating a collaborative team environment.

Key responsibilities include managing daily production operations to meet quality and efficiency standards, developing and mentoring a diverse workforce, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory requirements, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. The General Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align production capabilities with customer demands while managing budgets and identifying cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities:

Production Management:

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and timely delivery of products are met (SLAs).
• Manage production processes, including embroidery, laser cutting, stitching, and heat pressing to ensure a seamless workflow and high product quality.
• Implement and monitor production schedules, adjusting as needed to accommodate fluctuations in demand.
• Maintain inventory control, ensuring adequate stock levels of raw materials while preventing overstocking.
• Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to ensure the prompt arrival of raw materials.
• Utilize lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Manage the team to achieve cost-per-piece targets set by the Director of Operations.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of production staff to enhance skills, performance, and overall morale.
• Implement employee training and development programs to align workforce skills with production needs.
• Foster a collaborative and engaged workplace culture that emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Optimize labor scheduling to improve productivity and minimize downtime.
• Implement succession planning to ensure leadership sustainability within the organization.

Quality Assurance:

• Establish and uphold quality control processes to ensure products meet industry standards and customer expectations.
• Investigate and address quality issues, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Integrate customer feedback into quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO or other relevant industry quality standards.

Operational Efficiency:

• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and lower production costs.
• Utilize data-driven analysis and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track and enhance operational performance, including order accuracy, machine downtime, and production throughput.
• Leverage automation and technology advancements to streamline production processes.

Shipping & Receiving:

• Oversee shipping and receiving operations to ensure accurate and efficient handling of materials and finished products.
• Collaborate with logistics teams to streamline transportation and distribution processes.
• Manage inventory reconciliation to prevent discrepancies.
• Ensure proper handling of returns and defective goods for rework or disposal.

Budgeting & Cost Management:

• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasting production costs, and controlling expenses to meet financial targets.
• Analyze budget variances and implement corrective measures as needed.
• Track cost-per-unit metrics and implement cost-reduction strategies, such as supplier negotiations and process improvements.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
• Implement OSHA safety training and workplace safety programs to minimize risks.
• Ensure environmental compliance measures, such as waste reduction and sustainable sourcing.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align production capabilities with customer demands and market trends.
• Work closely with IT and operations teams to integrate technology solutions, including ERP/CRM system upgrades, for enhanced workflow efficiency.
• Maintain strong communication with stakeholders to resolve issues and improve customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Physical Demands:

• Frequent walking, standing, and moving throughout the facilities.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 60 pounds on occasion, including tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Extended periods of standing or repetitive motion may be required.
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• At least 4+ years of experience in a similar position.
• 2+ years of manufacturing experience with a strong understanding of production workflows.
• Project management experience, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience using CRM/ERP software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Odoo).

Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis abilities.
• Strong customer service experience.
• Adaptable to change in a growing company.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Ability to take direction well and remain open to learning.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, such as conflict resolution and change management expertise.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, and workflow automation tools.

We offer the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• Vacation and Sick time off
• Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short Term and Long Term disability paid by the company
• Accident and Critical Illness Plans
• Employee Assistant Program
• Well-Being Program
• 401(k) with employer match