Benefits:

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Signing bonus

Vision insurance

Company Intro: Ricochet is an industry leading manufacturer of sophisticated, high-tech Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that focuses on protection, performance, and comfort. Ricochet has been headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for over 20 years, with all manufacturing and operations located in a single master facility.

In addition to serving the United States Military, Ricochet serves customers in multiple sectors of public safety by providing custom engineered PPE including EMS gear for the Philadelphia and Honolulu Fire Departments, Technical Rescue gear to all FDNY Rescue and Squad companies, and structural/turnout gear to multiple Fire Departments throughout the United States and beyond. Ricochet is a long-standing member of FEMSA. For more information, visit ricochet-gear.com.

Job Summary: The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the cut and sew operations for turnout gear manufacturing, ensuring efficient production flow, adherence to quality and safety standards, and achievement of productivity targets. This role demands strong leadership, deep knowledge of textile manufacturing, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities: Production Flow & Efficiency

• Plan, coordinate, and monitor the daily production schedule to ensure optimal workflow across cutting, sewing, and finishing stations.
• Balance labor and machine capacity to meet production goals while minimizing bottlenecks and downtime.
• Implement and maintain visual management tools (e.g., production boards, takt time tracking) to monitor real-time progress and adjust resources as needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and planning teams to streamline layout and process flow for maximum throughput.

Productivity & Performance Management

• Set clear productivity targets for each production line and monitor performance against KPIs such as units per labor hour, first-pass yield, and on-time delivery.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead daily production meetings to review performance, address issues, and align teams on priorities.
• Develop and execute action plans to recover from missed targets or delays.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor team leads, sewing operators, cutters, and support staff.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching to improve individual and team output.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all garments meet NFPA 1971 standards and internal quality benchmarks.
• Work closely with QA and technical teams to resolve defects and implement corrective actions.

Inventory & Materials Coordination

• Monitor material usage and coordinate with procurement to ensure timely availability of fabrics, trims, and components.
• Minimize waste and manage scrap reduction initiatives.

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean, organized work environment.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and internal safety policies.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and present weekly and monthly production reports to senior leadership.
• Communicate effectively across departments to align production with sales forecasts and customer delivery timelines.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in apparel or textile manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in turnout gear or protective clothing manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of managing production flow and achieving productivity targets.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, sewing techniques, and textile properties.
• Familiarity with NFPA standards and PPE compliance.
• Proficient in production planning software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Must have the ability to communicate in Spanish, written and reading the language.

Working Conditions:

• Manufacturing floor environment with exposure to machinery, fabrics, and PPE components.
• May require standing for extended periods and occasional lifting.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere.