Factory Manager (Clothing Manufacturer)

Genuine Connection Promotions (Pty) Ltd has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Factory Manager, looking for an opportunity to join the senior management team of a world-class manufacturing plant. The purpose of the position is to manage all activities of the factory in order for the production lines to deliver quality products on time and in full. The Factory Manager is responsible to plan and oversee the daily operations, design and implement policies and procedures, optimize processes, analyse and improve supply chain efficiencies of the plant, innovate and manage general improvement projects as well as ensure the overall compliance, health and safety within the plant. This includes facilities, equipment and tools, human and material resources.

Knowledge & Experience Required
• Senior certificate with a tertiary qualification such as a National Diploma in clothing manufacturing technology/ clothing production/ work study; B.Tech; Industrial engineering; BSc Textile/Polymer or similar knowledge and experience
• 8 to 10 years’ previous experience on senior management level
• 5 to 8 years’ previous experience in the manufacturing/ factory industry
• Previous experience in a CMT production environment working with large teams an advantage
• Sound understanding of manufacturing and all the forces involved – planning production, process, system, resources, equipment, facility, people, productivity, work study, innovation, etc.
• Good knowledge and experience of quality management, efficiency and effectiveness as well as production improvement systems, such as LEAN manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen or similar manufacturing output improvement systems
• Proven track record of successful staff management with large teams (100 or more employees)
• Strong computer and report writing skills (able to plan, drive and implement work through the company’s production planning systems, management report systems, or hourly production target devices, e.g. Excel, FastReact, Sewing Network, LECTRA, Sage, etc.)
• Sound understanding of the SA labour context, its laws and application (able to successfully work within an unionized, wages staff environment as well as Bargaining Council and OHSA compliance)

Skills required
• Excellent leadership and relationship building skills (lead by example)
• Solution focused
• Strong planning and organizing skills (specific focus on management duties)
• Excellent analytical skills with numerical calculations ability (accuracy, detail and precision vital)
• Ability to act decisively, discreetly and fairly to resolve staff conflict and other resource related problems
• Ability to grasp concepts and strategy easily
• Strong computer and systems skills (previous ERP, manufacturing or other computer system experience)
• Clear, concise and motivational communication (strong report writing as well as oral skills)
• Good negotiation skills (able to mediate between different parties such as staff, inter-departmental, suppliers, trade unions, and customers)
• Good budgeting and financial planning skills (able to plan and manufacture products within cost and budget constraints and forecasts)
• Ability to work and excel in a logical, process driven but demanding environment – including overtime or weekend work when required
• Able to transfer skills and develop people
• Succession planning and leadership development
Attitude and Personal Values
• Able to motivate others and inspire trust in people
• Able to work under pressure and keep to strict deadline while keeping calm and rational
• Balanced outlook toward people and tasks
• Problem solving and solution orientated – pro-active and optimistic (preventative management style)
• Excellent attendance record, dependable and responsible
• Positive with a friendly predisposition
Key Outputs
• Plan, organize and direct the day-to-day operations of the factory to ensure customer delight
• Prepare turnover plans for daily, weekly and monthly achievement of turnover targets
• Drive, monitor and improve the quality assurance process of the manufacturing process
• Estimate costs and ensure a cost-effective manufacturing and production process
• Adjust turnover plans as required to meet deadlines or costing challenges
• Ensure successful output delivery, product quality and on-time shipping of products
• Ensure continuous maintenance of facilities, equipment and tools (including Health & Safety) for minimum work stoppage or breakdown
• Address employee issues, grievances and general staff discipline
• Review worker performance, motivate staff and identify training needs
• Create a safe working environment for all, drive compliance and commit to plant safety procedures (including risk and waste management)
• Implement, monitor, update and train company policies and procedures
• Ensure succession planning and multi-skilling in production areas
• Manage security to minimize theft and other shrinkage
• Participate on senior management level to manage the company effectively
• Constantly look at ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness in production, manufacturing processes and equipment