Production Supervisor – Apparel Manufacturing
Carolina Apparel Group is looking for an experienced Production Supervisor to join our team and lead our Ink Cup & Embellishment Department.
This is a hands-on supervisory position overseeing approximately 5–10 employees in a fast-paced apparel manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has previous experience supervising employees in a production or manufacturing setting, is comfortable working alongside their team, and knows how to keep production moving while maintaining quality and safety standards.
You do not need previous Ink Cup or embellishment experience to apply. We are willing to train the right candidate on our specific equipment, processes, and products. What we need most is someone who knows how to lead people, manage production, solve problems, and hold a team accountable.
What You'll Do
- Supervise, train, and support approximately 5–10 production employees.
- Assign employees to workstations and prioritize work based on production schedules and deadlines.
- Monitor production throughout the day and make adjustments when staffing or priorities change.
- Work directly with employees to keep production running efficiently and meet customer deadlines.
- Operate department equipment and assist with production when needed.
- Monitor product quality and ensure work meets customer specifications.
- Review the first completed pieces and check placement, color, artwork, transfers, and overall workmanship.
- Identify and address production problems, quality issues, material shortages, and delays.
- Train employees on proper procedures, equipment operation, quality expectations, and safety requirements.
- Maintain an organized and safe department.
- Monitor supplies and notify management when materials need to be ordered.
- Assist with equipment setup, changeovers, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
- Track production, quality, scrap, and rework as required.
- Communicate with the Plant Manager regarding production priorities, staffing needs, and issues that could affect deadlines.
- Promote dependable attendance, teamwork, accountability, and a respectful workplace.
What We're Looking For
Required:
- Previous supervisory or lead experience.
- Experience working in a manufacturing, production, or similar environment.
- Ability to lead, train, and hold employees accountable.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Good attention to detail and ability to identify quality issues.
- Ability to read and follow work orders, instructions, and production specifications.
- Basic math skills, including measurements, percentages, and ratios.
- Dependable attendance and willingness to work occasional overtime.
- Ability to work comfortably in a hands-on production environment.
Preferred, but not required:
- Apparel or textile manufacturing experience.
- Printing, screen printing, pad printing, heat-transfer, or embellishment experience.
- Experience working with production equipment.
- Basic mechanical or troubleshooting skills.
About the Department
The Ink Cup & Embellishment Department is responsible for applying a variety of designs and materials to garments, including:
- Ink Cup pad printing
- Reflective tape heat transfers
- Heat-transfer badges
- Other heat-applied embellishments
No prior experience with these specific processes is required. Training will be provided.
The supervisor will learn our equipment, production methods, quality standards, and material requirements and will be responsible for making sure the department consistently produces quality work on schedule.
What Makes This Role Different
This is not a position where you will simply sit in an office and supervise from a distance.
We are looking for someone who is comfortable getting on the production floor, working alongside employees, helping solve problems, and stepping in when the department needs additional support.
You should be someone who can:
- Lead by example.
- Keep employees focused and productive.
- Make decisions when problems come up.
- Communicate clearly with both employees and management.
- Stay organized when multiple orders and priorities are moving at once.
- Take ownership of the department and its results.
Physical & Work Environment
This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, as well as bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, pushing, pulling, and handling garments and production materials.
The position involves working around manufacturing equipment, heated presses, inks, chemicals, adhesives, odors, and moving machinery. All required personal protective equipment and safety procedures must be followed.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous supervisory or lead experience required.
- Manufacturing or production experience preferred.
- Ability to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment.
- Ability to distinguish colors and identify differences in placement, print quality, and workmanship.
Pay & Benefits
Pay: $15.00–$19.00 per hour, based on experience
Benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Opportunities for overtime
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you have previous supervisory experience and are looking for an opportunity to lead a production team, we would like to hear from you.
Experience with Ink Cup or apparel embellishment is a plus — but it is not required. We are willing to train the right person.
Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
