Pre-Production Manager

At Splits59, the product is everything and the people who bring it to life are the heart of the brand. We're looking for a Pre-Production Manager who takes genuine pride in the craft: someone who understands that the difference between a good garment and a great one lives in the details, and who holds themselves to that standard every day. This is a peer-level role working alongside our Director of Product Development and Production Manager, with shared accountability for moving styles from PP handoff through TOP approval. This position is also responsible for the complete raw material lab dip cycle. You'll own your portion of the calendar, manage factory relationships directly, and be the person vendors rely on for timely, expert feedback. Key Responsibilities Pre-Production & Approvals Manage pre-production samples from PP handoff through TOP approval, including measuring, conducting fittings, updating Tech Packs, and all factory communication during this phase. Send PP sample comments to vendors same day as fitting or within 24 hours. Collaborate directly with factories and the Production Manager to ensure proper garment execution and flag issues before they impact production timelines. Manage WIP reports from PP to TOP and throughout the lab dip cycle. Manage fabric and raw material quality standards, including hand feel, construction, and performance characteristics; flag and document deviations and drive resolution with mills before bulk production is impacted. Color & Raw Materials Oversee the color library and manage raw material lab dips and color approvals from initial handoff through bulk production. Utilize a light booth to evaluate and comment on lab dips to mills. Approve and catalog bulk fabric and raw materials. Ensure bulk raw material and garment testing adheres to Splits59 standards. Qualifications 6+ years of experience in Production or Product Development in apparel. Deep proficiency in activewear fabrics, garment construction, and sewing - required. Keen eye for color with experience evaluating lab dips against standards. Degree in Product Development, Manufacturing, or related field. Demonstrated ability to manage vendor communication independently and meet approval deadlines. Proactive communicator - flags delays and issues before they become problems, not after. Highly deadline-oriented with a track record of adhering to time and action calendars. Collaborative and professional - able to work effectively alongside peers and cross-functional teams. Some lifting required. This position is on-site only and does not offer remote work options. About Splits59 Splits59 is a premium women's activewear brand inspired by the beauty of sport and the power of intelligent design. We believe sweat is sexy, endorphins are an aphrodisiac, and nothing looks better than going the extra mile. Our product is designed for women who move between the studio, the office, and everything in between and we hold our team to the same standard of excellence.