Natalie Santhuff
Summary
Production Operations Manager with over 15 years in apparel production and global sourcing. Effectively manages over 300 purchase orders while ensuring regulatory compliance and on-time delivery. Extensive expertise in licensed apparel and cross-functional collaboration with global partners to resolve production challenges.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Operations Manager
MS Apparel
09.2025 - Current
- Managed production operations for men's, women's, and youth apparel programs, ensuring timely delivery from factory to customer.
- Oversee 300+ active purchase orders simultaneously, tracking daily production and delivery changes.
- Monitored WIP, departures, transit, port arrivals, warehouse receipts, and customer deliveries to maintain operational flow.
- Coordinate production across Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and India.
- Communicated customer shipment updates, delays, and inventory opportunities to enhance client satisfaction and transparency.
- Ensure U.S. import, CPSC, and retailer compliance.
- Review testing and inspection reports for quality compliance.
- Manage licensed programs including Volkswagen, Ford, Chevrolet, Mack Trucks, Shelby, Nautica, and Anheuser-Busch.
Senior Customs Specialist
Essense of Australia
05.2018 - 08.2025
- Facilitated custom bridal gown production for one of the world's leading bridal manufacturers, ensuring alignment with design specifications.
- Executed custom design requests accurately while upholding production quality standards.
- Utilized patternmaking and garment construction expertise to assist bridal retailers with custom gown modifications.
- Communicated directly with retailers regarding custom gown specifications and production requirements.
- Processed customer orders efficiently, production queues, and daily workflow for the Customs Team.
Designer / Product Development & Production Manager
Fencepost Productions
05.2015 - 04.2018
- Managed apparel production from concept through retail delivery for men's, women's, and children's apparel.
- Supervised product development and production approval processes, streamlining workflow from initial concept to shipment.
- Coordinated overseas manufacturing for major retailers including Academy Sports, Dick's Sporting Goods, Costco, Kohl's, Amazon, Meijer, Boscov's, and others.
- Managed licensed apparel programs for brands including Coca-Cola, General Motors, Ford, Corona, and additional licensed properties.
- Oversaw garment approvals including fabric construction, color, wash, fit, specifications, and technical package accuracy.
- Coordinated production schedules to ensure customer delivery deadlines were achieved.
- Managed inspection scheduling and testing protocols based on customer requirements.
- Communicated daily with overseas factories regarding production status, approvals, and corrective actions.
Patternmaker/Designer
Seams So Special LLC
04.2014 - 05.2015
- Created innovative patterns and garment designs for competitive dance and theater costume companies across Kansas and Missouri, enhancing their visual appeal and performance quality.
- Created detailed patterns for various garment styles and designs.
- Collaborated with design team to refine and adjust pattern specifications.
Designer/Wardrobe Assistant
Shoji Tabuchi Theater
11.2010 - 05.2012
- Designed, altered, and maintained costumes for performers, enhancing visual storytelling in live theater productions.
- Collaborated with Bill Hargates Costume Company to create innovative costume designs, elevating performances for principal and cast members.
Assistant Designer
Kansas City Costume Company
02.2010 - 11.2010
- Assisted in costume design, cutting, sewing, and garment construction for professional theater productions throughout the United States, including Starlight Theatre and The Muny.
- Investigated historical fashion trends to inform and elevate costume designs and themes, contributing to authentic and engaging production aesthetics.
Management
Maurices
05.2010 - 04.2014
- Managed daily retail operations including merchandising, scheduling, financial reporting, inventory management, sales, and customer service.
- Coordinated staff assignments to optimize store operations and enhance team productivity.
- Trained and developed staff on company policies and product knowledge, fostering a knowledgeable and compliant team.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies to reduce shrinkage and strengthen security measures.
Design Intern
Tomboy Designs
05.2008 - 08.2008
- Assisted with apparel design, patternmaking, garment construction, client consultations, and production for a local fashion brand.
- Adapted designs to meet specific client requirements, enhancing client satisfaction and project alignment.
Makeup Artist
Sephora
05.2007 - 08.2009
- Delivered personalized beauty consultations and tailored product recommendations to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Instructed customers on effective product application techniques and skincare solutions to improve overall beauty routines.
Assistant Manager / Customer Service
Chico's FAS
2005 - 05.2007
- Assisted customers with styling and purchasing decisions while maintaining sales floor presentation.
- Developed strategies to increase customer loyalty and retention rates.
- Managed employees, POS operations, store opening/closing procedures, sales goals, and staff training.
- Attended weekly management meetings to discuss store updates.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Design, Emphasis in Dance & Theatre
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO05-2009
Skills
- Production operations management
- Supply chain management
- Work-in-progress management
- Global sourcing strategies
- Import compliance expertise
- Testing and inspections
- Quality assurance processes
- Licensed apparel management
- Product development skills
- Vendor management
- Sales and Project management
- PLM and ERP systems
- Microsoft Excel and Office
- Adobe Illustrator
Timeline
Production Operations Manager
MS Apparel
09.2025 - Current
Senior Customs Specialist
Essense of Australia
05.2018 - 08.2025
Designer / Product Development & Production Manager
Fencepost Productions
05.2015 - 04.2018
Patternmaker/Designer
Seams So Special LLC
04.2014 - 05.2015
Designer/Wardrobe Assistant
Shoji Tabuchi Theater
11.2010 - 05.2012
Management
Maurices
05.2010 - 04.2014
Assistant Designer
Kansas City Costume Company
02.2010 - 11.2010
Design Intern
Tomboy Designs
05.2008 - 08.2008
Makeup Artist
Sephora
05.2007 - 08.2009
Assistant Manager / Customer Service
Chico's FAS
2005 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Fashion Design, Emphasis in Dance & Theatre
Missouri State University