CHRIS VELEZ
TYR SPORT
Los Angeles,CA
2
Languages
21
years of professional experience
Strategic operations and manufacturing leader with 20+ years of progressive experience driving operational excellence across apparel manufacturing, sourcing, production, inventory management, logistics, fulfillment, and supply chain operations. Proven expertise leading high-volume manufacturing environments, optimizing workflows, reducing costs, and developing high-performing teams. Extensive background in garment manufacturing, screen printing, embroidery, DTF production, fabric and trim sourcing, pattern and marker adjustments, vendor management, and domestic and international production. Recognized for transforming operations through process improvement, team development, and strategic leadership. Successfully led teams of 30+ employees, managed production operations exceeding 500,000 custom units annually, and drove significant cost reductions by transitioning custom manufacturing from outsourced vendors to in-house production.
Work History
Custom House Operations Manager
2 Years- Directed daily operations across embroidery, screen printing, DTF production, warehouse, shipping, and fulfillment functions.
- Led and developed a team of 30+ employees, fostering accountability, productivity, quality, and operational excellence.
- Oversaw production operations supporting more than 500,000 custom units annually while maintaining strict quality standards and delivery commitments.
- Successfully transitioned approximately 98% of custom production from outsourced vendors to in-house manufacturing, significantly reducing costs and improving production control.
- Managed purchasing, inventory planning, vendor negotiations, production scheduling, and material availability to support high-volume manufacturing operations.
- Utilized CorelDRAW to create, modify, and optimize production-ready artwork for embroidery, DTF, and screen-print production.
- Collaborated with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Art, and Production teams to ensure customer satisfaction and on-time delivery.
- Implemented workflow improvements and production efficiencies that increased output while maintaining quality standards.
- Supported equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and production planning to maximize operational uptime.
Operations Manager
8 Years- Directed company-wide operations across production, sourcing, purchasing, inventory management, logistics, shipping, receiving, and vendor management.
- Managed domestic and overseas manufacturing partners, ensuring quality, cost, and delivery objectives were consistently achieved.
- Negotiated vendor agreements and implemented operational improvements that enhanced efficiency and reduced operating expenses.
- Issued markers and pattern adjustments utilizing TUKAmark software to maximize fabric utilization and reduce material waste.
- Oversaw inventory planning, purchasing, fulfillment, and distribution operations supporting continued business growth.
- Developed and implemented operational procedures that improved communication, accountability, and workflow efficiency.
- Collaborated with Design, Sales, Accounting, Logistics, and Production teams to support product launches and organizational objectives.
- Maintained vendor accountability and quality standards throughout the supply chain.
Fabric & Trim Buyer / Production Manager
2 Years- Managed fabric and trim sourcing, purchasing, and production coordination for multiple apparel programs.
- Negotiated pricing, delivery schedules, and vendor agreements while maintaining profitability and quality objectives.
- Coordinated domestic and overseas production timelines, inventory requirements, and supplier relationships.
- Supported manufacturing efficiency through strategic planning, sourcing, and production management.
Trim Buyer / Production Coordinator
2 Years- Coordinated production activities for major retail customers including TJX and Marshalls.
- Managed trim and fabric purchasing across domestic and international supplier networks.
- Partnered with design and production teams to ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Supported sourcing, inventory planning, production scheduling, and vendor communication activities.
Production Coordinator
7 Years- Coordinated raw material sourcing, approvals, purchase orders, and logistics operations.
- Supported domestic and overseas production programs from development through final shipment.
- Worked closely with manufacturing and design teams to ensure quality standards and delivery requirements were consistently achieved.
- Assisted with vendor management, inventory coordination, production tracking, and supply chain support activities.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Manufacturing & Operations Systems: Apparel Magic
NetSuite
FileMaker
ShipStation
Shopify
Warehouse Management Systems
Inventory Management Systems
Design & Production Software: CorelDRAW
Wilcom Embroidery Software
TUKAmark
TUKAdesign
Gerber
Adobe Creative Suite
Business Applications: Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office Suite
QuickBooks
Equipment Expertise: Tajima Embroidery Machines
Feiya Embroidery Machines
Screen Printing Equipment
DTF Production Systems
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
EXECUTIVE HIGHLIGHTS
- 20+ years of leadership experience within apparel manufacturing and operations
- Directed production operations supporting 500,000+ custom units annually
- Led and developed teams of 30+ employees across production, warehouse, logistics, and fulfillment departments
- Successfully transitioned approximately 98% of custom production from outsourced vendors to in-house manufacturing
- Extensive experience in sourcing, purchasing, inventory management, logistics, fulfillment, and supply chain operations
- Managed domestic and overseas factory partnerships, vendor negotiations, and production planning
- Expertise in garment construction, pattern adjustments, marker development, fabric sourcing, and trim purchasing
- Proven track record improving operational efficiency, quality standards, production capacity, and customer satisfaction
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Operations Leadership
- Manufacturing Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Production Planning
- Inventory Management
- Logistics & Fulfillment
- Sourcing & Procurement
- Vendor Management
- Budget Administration
- Team Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Continuous Improvement
- Quality Assurance
- Production Scheduling
- Apparel Manufacturing
- Product Development
- Screen Printing
- Embroidery
- DTF Production
- Pattern Making & Marker Adjustments
Timeline
Custom House Operations Manager
TYR SPORT
01.2024 - 01.2026Read More
Operations Manager
GOOD hYOUman
01.2016 - 01.2024Read More
Fabric & Trim Buyer / Production Manager
SIGNORELLI
01.2014 - 01.2016Read More
Trim Buyer / Production Coordinator
ROGER GARMENTS LLC
01.2012 - 01.2014Read More
Production Coordinator
IDEAL CO. INC.
01.2005 - 01.2012Read More
Benjamin Franklin High School
High School Diploma
Read More