Production Manager

About Us

Runaway the Label is a fast-growing fashion brand with a bold, creative vision and a strong presence both locally and internationally. We are passionate about storytelling, innovation, and community-and we're looking for a dynamic Production Manager to join our team based in Sydenham (NSW).

This is a leadership role for someone who can drive strategy, oversee execution, and manage a cross sectional team.

Role Overview

The Production Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across the entire product lifecycle.

This position combines the strategic management of global production with hands-on oversight of the design room, ensuring collections move seamlessly from concept to final delivery.

The role balances creativity with commerciality — translating the brand's design vision into profitable, high-quality garments produced to exacting standards.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

Strategic Production Leadership

• Lead supplier partnerships, driving best practice in negotiation, costing, compliance, and on-time delivery.
• Own the production critical path, identifying risks early and implementing solutions to safeguard deadlines.
• Champion sustainability and ethical practices across sourcing and manufacturing processes.

·       Manage the Design Release Calendar, ensuring all teams are in alignment

• Define and execute the global production strategy, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and profitability.

Design Room Oversight

• Provide leadership to garment technicians, designer and design assistants ensuring seamless sample development.
• Oversee fit strategy and technical reviews, upholding brand fit and quality standards across all product categories.
• Ensure creative intent is translated into technically feasible, production-ready garments.
• Align design room workflows with production requirements to reduce errors, delays, and cost inefficiencies.

Commercial & Costing Accountability

• Oversee the end-to-end costing process, delivering target margins without compromising quality or design.
• Partner with design and merchandising to align product innovation with commercial performance.
• Introduce systems and processes that improve accuracy, visibility, and control of sampling and production costs.

Cross-Functional & Supplier Collaboration

• Act as the key bridge between design, production, merchandising, logistics, and marketing to deliver cohesive seasonal launches.
• Strengthen and expand the supplier base to support growth, innovation, and resilience in the supply chain.
• Drive clarity in communication through accurate technical packs and robust approval processes.

Quality, Standards & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and enforce rigorous quality benchmarks across all garments.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise resources.
• Leverage data and reporting to drive accountability, decision-making, and long-term improvement.

·      Bachelor's degree in Fashion Production, Merchandising, or related field (preferred).

·      5–6 years' experience in fashion production management, with fast-fashion experience highly regarded.

·      Strong knowledge of apparel production processes from design to delivery.

·      Proven ability to manage costings, margins, and supplier negotiations.

·      Excellent organisational, time-management, and communication skills.

·      Proficiency with production management tools, Airtable, and Microsoft Office Suite.

·      Ability to lead teams, build strong supplier relationships, and manage competing priorities.

·      Passion for fashion, with a sharp eye for detail and industry trends.