Fashion production manager for Doris de Pont, DNA Clothing

Tina Wiggs has 12 to 13 year in production and co-ordination.

Name: Tina Wiggs
Age: 36
Role: Fashion production manager for Doris de Pont, DNA Clothing
Working hours: 40 hours plus overtime as required
Average pay: $45,000 to $70,000
Qualifications: Apprenticeship through Summit Clothing (Ambler & Co) and 12-13 years experience
Career prospects: Operations management or importing role involving travel

What do you do?

I coordinate the components and people for each range of clothes we produce. I analyse what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. Once Doris and Vaughan [Geeson] have designed the range, I order fabric and accessories such as zips and buttons. I organise cutting, printing, embroidery, sewing, pressing and then dispatch the range to customers [retail shops].

If I was working in a large company I would probably specialise in one aspect of the coordination. In a small company you cover everything which makes it more challenging and interesting.

Why did you choose this line of work?

It fitted with my skills and involves an industry I have a passion for. I started by doing a clothing and textile apprenticeship with Summit. At school I enjoyed economics and clothing. I didn't quite know what to do with economics so looked at clothing. I knew I wasn't a designer so I took an apprenticeship which gave me a really good overview of the industry. I found I enjoyed organising and had a logical approach which pointed toward production.

What sort of training or experience do you need to do the job?

Look at doing a course but if it seems too design focused or focused on things you don't want, look at other options. Some of the short courses in pattern making for example might give you enough to get a foot in the door.

Normally you'd start as a production assistant in a bigger company counting buttons and labels and zips and getting a feel for production.

Your history?

I have 12 to 13 years experience in production and coordination. After my three year apprenticeship I spent another year at Summit, before working for a screenprinter. Then I went to Australia where I worked for three companies ranging from 600 staff to 10. When I returned to New Zealand I worked for Hart Manufacturing (Vamp and VSSP). Then I worked for Doris for two years, moved to an importer for two years and back to Doris.

What skills or qualities do you need?

A broad understanding of how fashion all goes together is really important. You also need strong people skills because you're dealing with lot of different people, from cutters to retailers. You need to be fair, honest and tough about quality and deadlines. You also need to be logical, a good organiser, flexible and have plenty of initiative.

Favourite part of the job?

I love being so involved in the process and organisation. I also love how it keeps changing. We follow the same formula each season but we are dealing with different fabrics, prints and styles. It is really rewarding to get to the point of dispatching to customers and then seeing the garments in retail shops.

Most challenging part?

The ongoing change can also be challenging. Production can often be about fire fighting and fixing mistakes, such as fabric turning up faulty and me having to find a timely and suitable replacement for it quickly. Or fabric not turning up at all.

Interesting one off projects?

Opening our Auckland retail shop in Ponsonby in May. Doris had the overall vision and I provided the logistical help. I did things like checking out the space with Doris, organising phone lines, shopping for fittings and making sure there was enough stock to supply the shop as well as our usual suppliers. I wouldn't necessarily get that range of work in a larger company.

Advice to someone wanting to do same thing?

It is hard when you first leave school to know where to start to get to where you want to be. One way to get information is to ask successful people about what they did and what courses they would recommend. But be respectful of their time. People are busy so you should ring and ask if they're happy to talk and then ask how; phone, email, visit. Don't presume.

Generally speaking I think it is good to develop skills in a larger company first so that you get an overview of the whole process and see what is available and where your skills are best suited.