Clothing Manager

Job overview
Clothing managers' plan, organise, co-ordinate and control the production of clothing in factories.

What do people do in this job?
Clothing managers are responsible for production planning and control at clothing factories.

They must have a sound knowledge of the skills and techniques being used by the workers in the factory, at the same time ensuring that a high standard of quality is met and that products are supplied to the retailer on time and within cost.

Clothing managers have to liaise with other managers on issues such as design, marketing, finance and human resources.

An important part of their work is planning to bring the production process as close to perfection as possible, modifying it when necessary.

Among other things this means checking that the production staff work according to the production plan, carrying out instructions correctly.

As in other industries, timing is important.

The production of new clothes has to take place far in advance of the selling season.

Therefore clothing managers must ensure that materials - thread, trimmings, fabrics, linings etc. ?- are ordered and received on time.

Also, they need to maintain a close working relationship with the designers to be able to interpret their designs and turn them into mass-produced garments.

Clothing managers might also be involved in work-study, human resources management, quality control, general administration, marketing and distribution.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
First, technical skills are necessary to understand garment, pattern and textile technology.

On top of this, clothing managers must have good organisational, analytical and communication skills?

What qualifications are needed?
There are no formal qualifications, but a good practical grounding in the design and making of clothes should be combined with managerial abilities, drive, attention to detail and understanding of the human beings who constitute the workforce.