Production Manager

We are looking for a Production Manager to take ownership of our Whatnot inventory production and make sure our hosts have enough high-quality, show-ready inventory to consistently run 4 live shows per day, Monday–Friday.

This is a hands-on working management position. You will be expected to work directly with inventory while also organizing the production process and holding the production workflow accountable.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Whatnot Production

• Plan and prepare inventory for upcoming Whatnot shows.
• Pull inventory from our existing categorized warehouse Gaylords.
• Select pieces that meet Retro Ape’s quality standards and fit the scheduled show/category.
• Inspect, organize, and prepare inventory before it reaches the hosts.
• Build complete show batches so hosts can walk into a show with everything ready to sell.
• Maintain an inventory buffer so we are never scrambling to prepare a show at the last minute.
• Organize inventory by show and selling order.
• Identify high-value or high-demand pieces that should be prioritized for Whatnot.

Production Management

• Create daily and weekly production priorities.
• Maintain a clear schedule of upcoming shows and inventory requirements.
• Track how many shows are fully prepared and ready to go.
• Communicate with Whatnot hosts regarding upcoming inventory needs.
• Identify production bottlenecks and solve them before they affect the live schedule.
• Make sure production stays ahead of the live shows rather than working one show at a time.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness throughout the Whatnot production area.

Inventory & Sorting

• Assist with sorting new incoming inventory when needed.
• Sort new inventory into our existing category Gaylords.
• Identify premium pieces during the sorting process that may be better suited for Whatnot.
• Maintain accurate organization of inventory so pieces can be found quickly when needed.
• Work with the warehouse/wholesale team when inventory needs to be moved or located.

Team Leadership

• Direct the daily work of production staff when applicable.
• Set clear expectations and priorities.
• Make sure assigned production work is completed on schedule.
• Hold production staff accountable for quality, speed, and organization.
• Communicate problems or staffing needs directly to ownership.
• Work closely with the Whatnot hosts, warehouse/wholesale lead, and shipper.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

The Production Manager’s primary objective is simple:

Our Whatnot hosts should always have enough quality inventory to run our scheduled shows without scrambling.

Success will be measured by:

• Shows fully prepared ahead of schedule.
• Consistent inventory quality.
• Maintaining a multi-show inventory buffer.
• Production staying ahead of the live schedule.
• Efficient use of existing warehouse inventory.
• Minimal last-minute searching or preparation.
• Keeping the Whatnot schedule running consistently.

EXPECTATIONS

• Fast-paced work environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Comfortable working on your feet and handling clothing inventory throughout the day.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Leadership experience is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience with vintage clothing, resale, wholesale, Whatnot, or warehouse production is a major plus.
• Must be reliable and willing to take ownership of the position.

IMPORTANT

This is not a desk-only management position.

You will be expected to physically pull, inspect, organize, and prepare inventory while managing the overall production pipeline.

The goal is to build a system where Production stays ahead → Hosts sell → Shipper fulfills → Production replenishes the pipeline.

If you are organized, fast, hands-on, and capable of taking ownership of a production operation, we want to hear from you.

Pay: $2,800.00 - $3,500.00 per month

Work Location: In person