Apparel Embellishment Manager at Image Solutions Apparel Inc – Fairfield, Ohio

Image Solutions is a custom uniform supplier in a $23 billion industry that is growing. We design, source, manufacture and distribute uniforms for a wide variety of regional and national organizations across a broad scope of industries. We have 2 distribution centers, located in Los Angeles, CA and Cincinnati, OH. Our mission is to make our customers, team members, and partners look and feel great at work. What sets us apart is our personalized customer service, our culture and passion for giving back to those in need. We give 10% of our annual profits to charity. Read on to find out more!

Position Summary

The Apparel Embellishment Manager is responsible for leading and executing all in-house apparel decoration operations, including embroidery, heat transfer, direct-to-film (DTF), direct-to-garment (DTG), laser engraving, name badge production, and sewing. This role owns both day-to-day floor execution and overall operational performance, ensuring high-quality output, on-time delivery, and consistent production standards across all decoration methods.

The Manager is a visible presence on the production floor, providing direction, resolving issues in real time, and reinforcing accountability, while also driving process improvement, capability development, and cross-functional alignment. This role balances hands-on execution with performance management to support current demand and long-term scalability.

Shift time is 7:00am – 4:00pm Monday-Friday. Support second shift operation.

Responsibilities

• Own daily execution of all embellishment operations, ensuring quality, throughput, and on-time delivery
• Provide direct leadership on the production floor, setting clear expectations and priorities
• Oversee decoration of company logos, personalization, and custom graphics across multiple garment types
• Drive consistency and quality across embroidery, heat transfer, DTF/DTG, laser engraving, and sewing processes
• Monitor production performance and address issues related to quality, capacity, staffing, or equipment in real time
• Analyze production metrics (throughput, labor efficiency, scrap, cost per unit, and machine utilization) and lead corrective actions
• Establish and maintain standard work, quality requirements, and training expectations across all decoration techniques
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to embroidery and embellishment equipment and coordinate maintenance as needed
• Own equipment readiness, including preventive maintenance, supply availability, and vendor coordination
• Partner closely with Planning, Procurement, and Operations to align production execution with demand and fulfillment timelines
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and maintain a clean, organized, and efficient production environment
• Identify and implement improvements in embellishment techniques, production technology, and workflow design

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in apparel embellishment or related manufacturing operations
• Strong hands-on knowledge of multiple decoration techniques, with emphasis on embroidery and heat transfer
• Experience operating and troubleshooting ZSK amd Tajima embroidery machines
• Working knowledge of embroidery files and workflows (DST creation and management)
• Proven ability to lead production teams and drive accountability on the floor
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive performance improvement
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality and process discipline
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds and spend extended time on the production floor

What’s In It For You?

• Competitive base pay
• A supporting, thriving team focused work culture and environment. One where your co-workers really want you to succeed.
• Matching 401(k) program
• An opportunity to make an impact to the success of the company
• Milestone Rewards for 5 and 10 year anniversaries with the company
• Being a part of an organization that gives back to the community
• More info: https://www.imageinc.com/careers