Careers in Production
Production plays a crucial role in bringing products from concept to customer. Sitting between design, technical, sourcing and manufacturing teams, production professionals oversee the development, sourcing and manufacturing processes that ensure products are delivered on time, on budget and to the required quality standards.
Production teams work closely with designers, garment technologists, buyers, suppliers and factories around the world to manage every stage of the product lifecycle. From sourcing fabrics and raw materials to coordinating production schedules and monitoring quality, production professionals help turn great ideas into successful commercial products.
Whether you're working for a retailer, brand, supplier, manufacturer or sourcing company, production offers a fast-paced and rewarding career with opportunities to work internationally and influence the success of product ranges.
What Does a Production Professional Do?
Production encompasses a variety of specialist roles, all focused on managing the journey from product concept through to finished goods. Common responsibilities include:
Full breakdown of responsibilities 6 core areas
Product Development
Supporting the development of new products from initial design concepts through to final production.
Sourcing and Supplier Management
Identifying and managing suppliers, negotiating costs and ensuring materials meet quality, ethical and sustainability standards.
Production Planning
Coordinating manufacturing schedules and critical paths to ensure products are delivered on time.
Quality Assurance
Working closely with technical teams and factories to maintain product quality and compliance standards.
Supply Chain Management
Managing relationships with suppliers, manufacturers and logistics partners to ensure smooth product flow from factory to customer.
Cost Management
Monitoring production costs and identifying efficiencies while maintaining product quality and performance.
Key Production Roles 4 role profiles
Product Developer
Product Developers manage the development process from concept through to final production, playing a key role in ensuring product vision is successfully translated into a commercially viable product.
- Creating and maintaining technical packs
- Managing product samples and approvals
- Sourcing fabrics, trims and raw materials
- Liaising with suppliers and factories
- Monitoring production timelines
- Supporting fit sessions and product reviews
- Travelling to suppliers and manufacturing facilities where required
Product Development Manager
Product Development Managers oversee product development strategies and coordinate the activities of multiple teams, often acting as a bridge between design, technical, buying and production functions.
- Managing product development teams
- Driving innovation and product improvement
- Identifying market opportunities
- Building supplier relationships
- Improving development processes
- Ensuring products align with customer demands and commercial objectives
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for overseeing a product category throughout its entire lifecycle.
- Defining product strategies and objectives
- Understanding customer requirements
- Managing product roadmaps
- Coordinating cross-functional teams
- Monitoring commercial performance
- Supporting product launches
- Driving customer satisfaction and business growth
Sourcing Manager
Sourcing Managers focus on finding the best suppliers, materials and manufacturing partners while balancing quality, lead times and cost — a role that has become increasingly important as businesses place greater emphasis on sustainability and responsible sourcing.
- Supplier selection and evaluation
- Contract negotiation
- Managing manufacturing performance
- Cost analysis and optimisation
- Ethical sourcing compliance
- Risk management within the supply chain
- Building long-term supplier partnerships
A Typical Day in Production 9 things on the list
- Communicating with suppliers and factories
- Reviewing production schedules and critical paths
- Monitoring sample approvals
- Managing costs and supplier negotiations
- Tracking product development milestones
- Solving supply chain challenges
- Collaborating with design, technical and buying teams
- Attending product and range review meetings
- Reviewing quality standards and compliance requirements
Production professionals often work across multiple product categories and international supply chains.
Key Skills for Success
- Strong organisational skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
- Attention to detail
- Commercial awareness
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Negotiation skills
- Project management experience
- Strong understanding of supply chains
- Product and market knowledge
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills
- Flexibility to travel when required
Experience working with suppliers and international manufacturing partners is often highly valued.
Common Production Job Titles
Every title below links straight to live vacancies.
Salary Expectations
Salaries vary depending on experience, sector, product category and employer. As a guide:
Many employers also offer:
- Bonus schemes
- Pension contributions
- Healthcare benefits
- Product discounts
- International travel opportunities
Salary ranges are intended as a guide and may vary according to employer, location, sector and level of responsibility.
Career Progression
Many professionals enter production through roles such as Production Assistant, Production Coordinator, Product Development Assistant and Sourcing Assistant. With experience, progression opportunities may include:
Experience across design, technical, buying or manufacturing functions can significantly enhance progression opportunities, particularly for senior leadership positions.
Interested in a Career in Production?
Production offers a dynamic career that combines product development, sourcing, supply chain management and commercial decision-making. For those who enjoy seeing products evolve from initial concept through to final delivery, production provides excellent opportunities for progression across retail, fashion, manufacturing and global sourcing businesses.