Director, Custom Manufacturing
Thecentermemphis, Farmers Branch, TX, United States
JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT
At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.
WORK TYPE: Hybrid LOCATION DETAILS: Farmers Branch, TX
Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation.
WORK HOURS M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)
This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. The company does not sponsor H-1B visas and will not provide sponsorship now or at any time in the future for this role.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT The
Director of Custom Manufacturing
is responsible for leading and optimizing all apparel manufacturing operations, ensuring high-quality production, on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and ethical compliance. This role oversees internal factories and/or external vendor partners, driving operational excellence across sourcing, production planning, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
WHAT YOU WILL DO Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Manufacturing & Operations
Lead end-to-end apparel manufacturing operations from development through bulk production
Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business growth, margin, and speed-to-market goals
Oversee production planning, capacity management, and line balancing to meet delivery commitments
Ensure adherence to quality standards, fit consistency, and workmanship across all product categories
Vendor & Factory Management
Manage relationships with domestic and international factories and vendors
Negotiate manufacturing costs, lead times, and capacity commitments
Conduct regular factory performance reviews based on quality, delivery, cost, and compliance metrics
Partner with sourcing and development teams on vendor selection and onboarding
Quality & Compliance
Establish and enforce quality assurance processes and standard operating procedures
Ensure compliance with company standards, labor laws, social responsibility, and sustainability requirements
Address production issues, root causes, and corrective action plans proactively
Cost Control & Efficiency
Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality or ethical standards
Analyze manufacturing KPIs and identify opportunities for process improvement and waste reduction
Support margin improvement through engineering, fabric utilization, and production efficiencies
Leadership & Collaboration
Champion a culture of compliance, innovation, and operational excellence across global functions.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Set clear performance expectations and development plans, providing regular coaching and conducting annual reviews to drive individual and team success.
Align team objectives with organizational goals, ensuring effective execution of strategies and daily operations across all functions.
Partner with senior leadership (VP and above) to provide regular updates, influence decision-making, and align product strategies.
QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Strong knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, trims, and production processes
Expertise in production planning, costing, and capacity management
Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing tracking systems
Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and decision-making skills
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and mentor high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Proven track record of driving organizational change, fostering accountability, and developing future leaders.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Skilled in navigating ambiguity, making data-informed decisions, and balancing short-term execution with long-term vision.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in apparel manufacturing or production operations
5+ years in a senior leadership or director-level role
Experience leading operations within global supply chains, including significant engagement with Central America based manufacturing partners; multi category apparel experience preferred.
Professional proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time delivery and production efficiency
Cost and margin performance
Quality and defect rates
Vendor performance and compliance scores
Team engagement and retention
Performance metrics may evolve over time to reflect changes in manufacturing scale, business strategy, and operating model maturity.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
#LI-KG1
OUR VALUES Service
- We lead with heart. We champion community.
Passion
- We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.
Integrity
- We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.
Respect
- We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.
Innovation
- We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.
Transparency
- We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.
OUR BENEFITS We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:
Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
Wellbeing Program
401(k) plan with company matching
Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
Varsity Brands Ownership Program
Employee Resource Groups
St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!
Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
WORK TYPE: Hybrid LOCATION DETAILS: Farmers Branch, TX
Please note: This position does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates must be able to work from the designated location without company-sponsored relocation.
WORK HOURS M-F, 8-5p / 9-6p (Friday WFH)
This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. The company does not sponsor H-1B visas and will not provide sponsorship now or at any time in the future for this role.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT The
Director of Custom Manufacturing
is responsible for leading and optimizing all apparel manufacturing operations, ensuring high-quality production, on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and ethical compliance. This role oversees internal factories and/or external vendor partners, driving operational excellence across sourcing, production planning, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.
WHAT YOU WILL DO Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Manufacturing & Operations
Lead end-to-end apparel manufacturing operations from development through bulk production
Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business growth, margin, and speed-to-market goals
Oversee production planning, capacity management, and line balancing to meet delivery commitments
Ensure adherence to quality standards, fit consistency, and workmanship across all product categories
Vendor & Factory Management
Manage relationships with domestic and international factories and vendors
Negotiate manufacturing costs, lead times, and capacity commitments
Conduct regular factory performance reviews based on quality, delivery, cost, and compliance metrics
Partner with sourcing and development teams on vendor selection and onboarding
Quality & Compliance
Establish and enforce quality assurance processes and standard operating procedures
Ensure compliance with company standards, labor laws, social responsibility, and sustainability requirements
Address production issues, root causes, and corrective action plans proactively
Cost Control & Efficiency
Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising quality or ethical standards
Analyze manufacturing KPIs and identify opportunities for process improvement and waste reduction
Support margin improvement through engineering, fabric utilization, and production efficiencies
Leadership & Collaboration
Champion a culture of compliance, innovation, and operational excellence across global functions.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
Set clear performance expectations and development plans, providing regular coaching and conducting annual reviews to drive individual and team success.
Align team objectives with organizational goals, ensuring effective execution of strategies and daily operations across all functions.
Partner with senior leadership (VP and above) to provide regular updates, influence decision-making, and align product strategies.
QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Strong knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, trims, and production processes
Expertise in production planning, costing, and capacity management
Familiarity with PLM, ERP, and manufacturing tracking systems
Strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and decision-making skills
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and mentor high-performing, cross-functional teams.
Proven track record of driving organizational change, fostering accountability, and developing future leaders.
Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ideas clearly.
Skilled in navigating ambiguity, making data-informed decisions, and balancing short-term execution with long-term vision.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Textile Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in apparel manufacturing or production operations
5+ years in a senior leadership or director-level role
Experience leading operations within global supply chains, including significant engagement with Central America based manufacturing partners; multi category apparel experience preferred.
Professional proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-time delivery and production efficiency
Cost and margin performance
Quality and defect rates
Vendor performance and compliance scores
Team engagement and retention
Performance metrics may evolve over time to reflect changes in manufacturing scale, business strategy, and operating model maturity.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
#LI-KG1
OUR VALUES Service
- We lead with heart. We champion community.
Passion
- We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.
Integrity
- We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.
Respect
- We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.
Innovation
- We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.
Transparency
- We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.
OUR BENEFITS We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:
Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
Wellbeing Program
401(k) plan with company matching
Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
Varsity Brands Ownership Program
Employee Resource Groups
St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!
Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr