Overview
Director of Production Jobs in Columbus at Columbus Fashion Alliance
Director of Production
Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA)Location: Columbus, Ohio (On-Site at The LOOM)Employment Type: Full-TimeSalary Range: $82,000–$90,000 (based on experience)Reports To: Executive Director
About Columbus Fashion Alliance
Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA) is a fast-growing nonprofit on a mission to move fashion forward—by investing in people, creativity, and equitable access to opportunity. CFA builds workforce pathways, circular production systems, and entrepreneurial infrastructure that power the future of fashion in Columbus.
CFA is currently launching The LOOM, a 40,000+ square foot Fashion Innovation Center located in downtown Columbus. The LOOM will house production labs, design labs, coworking space, event space, offices, and small-batch manufacturing capabilities—serving as the epicenter for the next generation of fashion talent and circular production in the Midwest.
This isn’t a maintenance role—it’s a build role. CFA is seeking an experienced production leader to design and operate the engine of our circular manufacturing and workforce programs from the ground up.
Position Overview
The Director of Production will lead the development and execution of CFA’s RE/WORK workforce program and the buildout of CFA’s production service social enterprise.
This role is both strategic and hands-on. The Director will oversee training initiatives in industrial sewing, repair, and remanufacturing while building a financially sustainable small-batch production model that includes sample making, repair services, remanufacturing, and micro-factory operations.
The ideal candidate is an experienced apparel production leader with deep technical knowledge, operational discipline, and a passion for building systems that create economic opportunity.
Key ResponsibilitiesRE/WORK Workforce Program Leadership
- Lead execution of CFA’s 18-month RE/WORK pilot program focused on industrial sewing, repair, and remanufacturing.
- Oversee curriculum implementation in partnership with industry collaborators.
- Manage pilot cohorts and ensure production quality standards.
- Track program performance metrics, including training outcomes and production data.
- Contribute to reporting for fundraising, grants, and strategic partners.
Production Services & Social Enterprise Development
- Design and launch CFA’s production services including:
- Sample development
- Small-batch manufacturing
- Apparel repair
- Remanufacturing and upcycling
- Develop pricing models, costing systems, and margin strategy.
- Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for production workflows.
- Build and manage relationships with brand clients and production partners.
- Develop a roadmap to scale toward micro-factory operations.
Production Lab Strategy & Operations
- Identify equipment, tools, and infrastructure needs for production spaces.
- Optimize lab layout and workflow for efficiency and safety.
- Develop policies for shared lab usage by designers and members.
- Ensure equipment maintenance, compliance, and safety standards.
Industry & SME Engagement
- Source and manage subject matter experts (technical design, sewing, repair, etc.).
- Develop and support workshops aligned with production capabilities.
- Represent CFA in conversations with regional and national manufacturing partners.
- Build relationships that strengthen CFA’s reputation in circular and advanced manufacturing.
Financial & Operational Management
- Develop and manage production budgets and P&L oversight.
- Track cost of goods sold, labor allocation, and margin performance.
- Collaborate with leadership to align production strategy with overall organizational goals.
- Contribute to quarterly operational reporting and strategic planning.
QualificationsRequired
- 8+ years of experience in apparel production, manufacturing, or technical design.
- Strong knowledge of small-batch production and sample room processes.
- Experience costing garments and understanding margin structure.
- Experience managing teams or supervising production environments.
- Strong organizational and operational planning skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a startup-style environment.
Preferred
- Experience in repair, remanufacturing, or circular production.
- Experience launching or scaling production facilities.
- Familiarity with domestic manufacturing models.
- Experience working with nonprofit or workforce development programs.
- Knowledge of industrial sewing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Compensation & Incentives
- Base salary: $82,000–$90,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Health insurance and paid time off provided
What Success Looks Like (First 18 Months)
- Successful execution of RE/WORK pilot training phases.
- Development of standardized repair and remanufacturing workflows.
- Launch of CFA’s small-batch production services.
- Establishment of brand production partnerships.
- Documented production margins and operational systems.
- Clear pathway toward scalable micro-factory operations.
Why This Role Matters
This position will build the operational core of CFA’s Fashion Innovation Center. The Director of Production will help create:
- Workforce pathways into fashion manufacturing
- Circular production infrastructure in Columbus
- Revenue-generating production services
- A regional leadership position in responsible manufacturing
This is a rare opportunity to build a production ecosystem from the ground up inside a mission-driven organization shaping the future of fashion in the Midwest.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter outlining relevant production and leadership experience
- Portfolio or examples of production work (if applicable)
Pay: $82,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
Title: Director of Production
Company: Columbus Fashion Alliance
Location: Columbus
