Factory Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client is an established South African textile manufacturer specializing in high-quality homeware products. Our Client is seeking a highly experienced, disciplined, and stability-focused Factory Manager to take full operational accountability for their production facility.

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires a results-driven individual with a strong track record in textile manufacturing. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving efficiency, managing production output, and maintaining quality and cost control as the business continues to grow and supply major retail platforms.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities (Operational Focus)

The core mandate of this role is to achieve maximum production efficiency and quality standards. This position is strictly focused on factory floor operations — not formal industrial relations.

• Production Planning and Efficiency:
  Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules, line balancing, and time studies to ensure all deadlines (including high-volume retail orders) are met without compromising quality.
• Quality Control (QC):
  Oversee and enforce strict quality standards throughout all stages of production — from cutting and sewing to final packaging — minimizing defects, errors, and returns.
• Cost Management & Waste Reduction:
  Implement and maintain Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce material waste, optimize labour utilization, and improve cost-per-unit performance.
• Team Leadership and Development:
  Lead, mentor, and motivate a disciplined, high-performing team. Identify and address skills gaps through targeted training and upskilling initiatives.
• Equipment & Maintenance:
  Ensure all machinery and equipment are properly maintained and operational to avoid downtime and production delays.

• Minimum 5+ years of proven managerial experience in a hands-on Factory or Production Manager role within the Textile Manufacturing industry
• Homeware production experience is essential (e.g., bedding, cushions, soft furnishings). Garment/apparel-only experience will not be considered
• Demonstrated ability to implement time studies, line balancing, and other efficiency improvement systems
• Strong understanding and practical application of Lean Manufacturing principles
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal); proficiency in another official South African language is advantageous
• Tertiary qualification in Textile Technology, Production Management, or Industrial Engineering preferred — equivalent practical experience will be considered