Production Operations Manager

Position:  Production Operations Manager
Reports To:  Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Type:  Full-Time Exempt
Location:  Liberty, MO

Job Summary

Nickel & Suede is seeking a strategic and hands-on Production Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of our in-house manufacturing and order fulfillment processes. This is a key leadership role responsible for transforming data into action—scheduling staff, maintaining inventory flow, and ensuring quality and timeliness in everything we produce and ship.

You’ll oversee a hardworking production team, manage raw materials and supply needs, and ensure our space runs with order, efficiency, and a high standard of excellence. You'll also be expected to track and respond to performance metrics, adapt quickly to changing volume, and maintain clear communication across departments. The ideal candidate is steady under pressure, highly organized, and proactive in solving problems before they happen.

This is more than a coordinator role—this is about owning operations. If you’re passionate about clean processes, great people, and meaningful metrics, we’d love to have you on the team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Daily Production & Fulfillment Operations

• Own and execute a rolling 2-week production schedule based on inventory, sales, and forecasting.
• Meet fulfillment goals: 1–2 day ship time standard, up to 3–5 days during peak volume.
• Proactively adjust staffing and workflow for high/low demand periods and major sales events.
• Coordinate across production and fulfillment to ensure seamless execution.

2. Drive Data-Driven Decision Making

• Monitor KPIs for output, accuracy, labor efficiency, and order speed.
• React to reports and metrics to improve scheduling, planning, and results.
• Partner with the CFO to understand and act on cost trends, inventory movement, and performance data.
• Translate numbers into clear, timely action plans for the team.

3. Manage Inventory, Supplies & Space

• Receive and check in raw materials accurately and promptly.
• Maintain clean, orderly inventory systems—nothing is hidden or disorganized.
• Ensure all supplies and packaging materials are stocked and ready.
• Maintain a highly organized, clutter-free production space that supports focus and flow.

4. Lead & Develop a Capable, Flexible Team

• Schedule and oversee all production and fulfillment team members.
• Hire, train, and maintain a bench of part-time workers to flex with seasonal volume.
• Provide clear expectations, cross-training, and regular feedback.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and optimism.

5. Ensure Quality, Accuracy & Efficiency

• Enforce high quality standards at every production and fulfillment stage.
• Monitor accuracy and inspection logs for continuous improvement.
• Identify and eliminate inefficiencies in workflow, process, or material usage.
• Optimize shipping costs and supply use without sacrificing quality or speed.

6. Communicate & Collaborate Across Teams

• Act as the key link between production, leadership, inventory, and sales teams.
• Communicate priorities, updates, and needs clearly and proactively.
• Model calm, flexible leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Who You Are

• You’re organized, structured, and energized by a clean, efficient workspace.
• You’re confident using data and reporting to make informed decisions.
• You stay calm under pressure and adjust quickly when things shift.
• You care deeply about quality, accuracy, and team performance.
• You solve problems early, take ownership, and lead with a positive attitude.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in production, fulfillment, or warehouse operations (leadership required).
• Experience managing a team and scheduling based on variable workload.
• Skilled in using spreadsheets, basic reporting tools, and scheduling software.
• Understanding of cost control, materials planning, and labor efficiency.
• Able to lift up to 40 lbs and stand or walk for extended periods.
• Bonus: experience in direct-to-consumer, retail, or small business production.

Compensation & Perks

• $50,000 annual salary, based on experience.
• Opportunities for growth in a fast-scaling brand.
• Positive, supportive team culture—90% women-led.
• Product discounts and participation in team events.

 Please email your resume to kilee@nickelandsuede.com

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Nickel & Suede is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Nickel & Suede will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.