We’re looking for a proven operations leader who thrives in a fast-moving, hands-on environment and takes pride in producing work of the highest quality. At Apparel Graphics, we don’t just decorate apparel—we help brands tell their story through craftsmanship, precision, and innovation. This role is ideal for someone who can see the big picture and inspire a team to reach their full potential while keeping operations running like clockwork. If you know apparel decoration inside and out and love building clean, efficient, and people-focused workplaces, we want to talk to you.
Operational Leadership Experience
- 10+ years in operations, with several years in a senior leadership capacity.
- Proven experience streamlining workflows, improving processes, and managing cross-functional teams.
- Has owned KPIs related to production efficiency, order fulfillment, margin improvement, or customer satisfaction.
Industry-Specific Expertise
- Must have extensive knowledge of apparel decoration processes, including screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer, and other specialty applications such as puff, high density, water-based, or foil printing.
- Deep understanding of production workflows, materials, machinery, and the nuances of delivering premium-quality decorated apparel on time and within budget.
- Experience navigating client expectations, production challenges, and creative execution in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
Cross-Functional Execution
- Worked closely with sales, finance, HR, and production/fulfillment to align operations with business objectives.
- Experience bridging gaps between departments—especially important in flatter organizations where silos can’t exist.
People Management, HR, and Safety Oversight
- Manages HR functions for their team, including hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, conflict resolution, and terminations in coordination with company leadership.
- Comfortable managing lean teams, often wearing multiple hats (e.g., overseeing logistics, procurement, and scheduling directly).
- Strong track record of maintaining safe work environments, leading safety training, enforcing compliance with OSHA standards, and implementing safety protocols across departments.
- Champions 5S workplace organization practices, ensuring production areas are clean, efficient, and well-organized to maximize productivity and safety.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Has led or contributed to ERP, CRM, or WMS implementations or upgrades.
- Familiar with data-driven decision making and operational reporting tools—bonus if you’ve worked with custom-built systems or low-code tools.
- Experienced in implementing lean manufacturing principles, standard work processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Commitment to Quality
- Our quality standards are the highest—must be deeply committed to delivering exceptional results on every project.
- Consistently seeks opportunities to refine processes, raise standards, and produce work that exceeds client expectations.
- Ensures every product meets exacting specifications and reflects the company’s reputation for excellence.
Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
- Understands how operations connect to profitability, customer retention, and growth.
- Has helped develop or execute on annual plans, budgets, and forecasts.
Mindset Fit for a Medium-Sized Company
- Scrappy and resourceful—can operate without a huge support team or corporate playbook.
- Comfortable shifting between strategy and execution in a single day.
- Brings a builder mentality—not just managing systems but improving or creating them.
Personality and Leadership Style
- Humble, empathetic, and approachable; leads by example.
- A great communicator who listens actively and speaks with clarity.
- Supportive and encouraging—lifts people up while pushing them to excel.
- A strong team builder who fosters trust, collaboration, and accountability.
- Skilled teacher and mentor who develops others and shares knowledge freely.
- Thrives in a family-like atmosphere where relationships matter as much as results.
- A good human—respected for integrity, kindness, and fairness in every interaction.
Ready to JOIN THE FAMILIA?
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Oakdale, CA. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $60,000 – $80,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to this base salary, we offer:
- Performance-based bonuses
- Comprehensive health insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- A collaborative, family-like culture where your work makes a direct impact
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives.
- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies.
- Manage profit & loss statements, identifying areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.
- Lead, mentor, and supervise staff to foster a high-performance culture within the team.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business development initiatives and project management efforts.
- Analyze operational processes for improvement opportunities, implementing best practices to enhance productivity.
- Monitor sales performance metrics and develop strategies to achieve sales targets.
- Prepare regular reports on operational performance for senior management review.
Skills
- Proven management experience with a focus on leadership and team development.
- Strong strategic planning abilities to align operations with business goals.
- Excellent supervisory skills with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
- In-depth knowledge of profit & loss management principles.
- Experience in business development and project management methodologies.
- Proficient in process improvement techniques to drive operational excellence.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data effectively for decision-making purposes.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels. Join our team as an Operations Manager where you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization through effective leadership and strategic oversight!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person