Overview
Production Manager Jobs in São João da Madeira, Aveiro, Portugal at JUDE
Title: Production Manager
Company: JUDE
Location: São João da Madeira, Aveiro, Portugal
ABOUT JUDE
JUDE is a contemporary luxury footwear brand founded in 2024. The brand is built on a clear vision: beauty through modern minimalism and sleek sensuality.
Every JUDE shoe is crafted in Portugal using premium Italian and French leathers. The collections are defined by refined silhouettes, considered proportions, and custom-developed details that give each piece its signature unexpected twist. JUDE is a young brand growing with purpose and speed, expanding its production and supply chain to meet rising global demand.
THE ROLE
We are looking for an experienced and driven Production Manager to take ownership of our manufacturing operations in São João da Madeira. You will be the central link between design intent and physical product, ensuring every pair of JUDE shoes leaves the factory to the highest standard, on time, and within budget.
This is a hands-on role that requires both strategic thinking and day-to-day operational excellence. You will work closely with our founders, the quality control team, and our network of local suppliers and craftspeople. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are energised by building processes from the ground up, this role is for you.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Production Planning & Oversight
- Plan, coordinate and oversee all production activities from pre-production to final delivery
- Build and maintain seasonal production schedules aligned with collection launch dates
- Monitor daily output and proactively resolve bottlenecks to keep production on track
- Continuously optimise workflows, capacity planning, and resource allocation
Quality Control Collaboration
- Work closely with the quality control team to uphold JUDE's standards at every stage of production
- Conduct regular factory floor inspections and address any non-conformances immediately
- Implement and refine quality checkpoints from cutting to lasting to finishing
- Feed quality insights back to the design team to inform future product development
Materials & Supply Chain
- Track and manage material arrivals to ensure production timelines are never compromised
- Liaise with Italian and French leather suppliers, as well as local component suppliers
- Maintain accurate inventory records and flag supply risks early
- Build strong, reliable relationships with the supplier network
Team & Factory Relations
- Act as the primary point of contact between JUDE and the production factory
- Manage and motivate the production team, fostering a culture of quality and accountability
- Coordinate with pattern makers, craftspeople, and factory management on a regular basis
Reporting & Process Development
- Produce clear production reports and KPI tracking for the founders
- Identify and implement process improvements to support the brand's rapid growth
- Help build scalable production systems as JUDE expands its range and volumes
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Minimum 5 years of experience in production management, preferably in footwear, leather goods, or fashion accessories
- Deep understanding of luxury or premium manufacturing processes and quality standards
- Proven ability to manage production schedules, supplier relationships, and cross-functional teams
- Strong English communication skills — written and spoken (essential for brand and supplier communication)
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure
- Open-minded and adaptable — comfortable operating in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment where processes are still being built
- A genuine appreciation for craft and quality — you care about the product as much as the process
- Experience working with Italian or French material suppliers is a strong advantage
- Located in São João da Madeira
WHAT WE OFFER
- A central role in a young, design-led luxury brand with international ambitions
- Direct collaboration with the founders — your voice matters and your impact is visible
- A dynamic, non-corporate environment that rewards initiative and ownership
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
- The opportunity to build something lasting in the heart of Portugal's footwear capital
