General Manager - Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Apparel Printing Facility

Company: GearLaunch Inc.

Position: General Manager – Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Apparel Printing Facility
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Position Overview:
The General Manager of the Direct-to-Garment (DTG) apparel printing facility will oversee the daily operations of a fast-paced manufacturing and warehouse environment. This role involves managing production schedules, maintenance, inventory, and staff, ensuring efficient and high-quality output. The General Manager will collaborate with internal teams to meet and exceed key performance metrics, including safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in manufacturing management, preferably within an apparel DTG or screen printing environment, and demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to work autonomously. This role offers a high degree of independence and an entrepreneurial mindset, requiring the ability to shape processes, build teams, and support the company’s growth goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of daily manufacturing operations, including staff management, production planning, equipment maintenance, and inventory control.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall productivity while ensuring a high-quality product.
• Lead and manage a multi-shift production team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Establish and monitor performance objectives, including safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives and track key performance indicators such as material waste, setup times, equipment efficiency, labor utilization, and on-time delivery.
• Build and develop a high-performing team, including recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management of direct reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including other departments and senior management, to align operations with company goals.
• Lead regular plant meetings to communicate key performance data, initiatives, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards and regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships, including purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain management.
• Act as a hands-on leader, addressing challenges promptly and ensuring operational success.
• Other duties as required to support the facility’s and company’s objectives.

Requirements

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proven experience in recruiting, training, and managing production teams.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve objectives.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a focus on technical and operational challenges.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, particularly within a DTG or similar printing environment.
• Strong computer and technical skills, including familiarity with production software and equipment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present data and reports to various stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating initiative and leadership.
• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration and a positive work environment across diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in DTG printing or apparel manufacturing.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Conversational Spanish speaking ability.

Performance Objectives:

• Ensure the production of high-quality products in a safe, timely, and consistent manner.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of operational goals and improvement initiatives.
• Provide direct mentorship and growth opportunities to team members, preparing them to take on additional responsibilities as the business grows.
• Continuously evaluate and improve production processes, focusing on reducing waste and enhancing productivity.
• Promote a solutions-driven, open-door work environment across all departments and shifts.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability