The Factory Manager leads and manages apparel production operations—covering cut, make, trim, and finishing—ensuring output targets are achieved in line with quality, cost, and delivery expectations. The Factory Manager oversees end-to-end factory performance, including Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Production teams. The role ensures adherence to standards for quality, safety, and sustainability, while continuously improving productivity and efficiency to support business growth.
Organizational Context
This position reports to the Head of Finance & Operations and works closely with the Heads of Design, Merchandising, and Supply Chain. The Factory Manager directly supervises approximately 10 team members, including the Quality Assurance Manager, Production Supervisors, Maintenance Technicians, and Support Staff, and oversees a workforce of 100–150 operators through structured supervision and line management.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Operations Management: Lead daily apparel manufacturing operations (cut, make, trim, finishing) to achieve production, quality, and cost targets.
Planning: Develop weekly and monthly production schedules based on business demand.
Quality Control: Enforce and continuously improve quality systems, including inline and end-line inspection processes.
Performance Monitoring: Monitor production efficiency, downtime, and quality through Odoo ERP dashboards and daily Gemba reviews.
Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.
Maintenance: Manage preventive maintenance and ensure optimal equipment uptime.
Team Leadership: Oversee operator training and performance management for consistent productivity.
Supply Chain Coordination: Coordinate with Supply Chain for timely fabric, trims, and materials availability.
Human Resources: Partner with HR to ensure adequate staffing, adherence to labor laws, and a healthy work culture.
Compliance & Safety: Promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards.
Technical Optimization: Recommend machinery, layout, or process changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Reporting: Prepare and present weekly production and quality performance reports to management.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration across production, QA, and design functions to enable fast product development.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Textile Engineering, Production Management, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum 8 years in apparel manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a factory-leadership role overseeing production and quality teams.
Certifications (Preferred): ISO 9001, ISO 45001, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or Industrial Safety.
Systems: Proficiency in Odoo ERP and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with automated sewing and finishing equipment.
Nationality: This position is open to Kenyan candidates only.
Technical and Behavioral Competencies
Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of garment production, quality inspection standards, and corrective-action processes. Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, TPM, and continuous-improvement techniques. Strong analytical capability to interpret production and quality data.
Behavioral Skills: Leadership (building accountable teams), Problem-Solving (root cause analysis), Change Management, Communication (clear direction and feedback), and Resilience (composure under pressure).
Working Conditions
Shift: Single day shift (Monday–Saturday).
Environment: Factory floor, requiring PPE in production and QA areas.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the application link: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1211556. This will redirect you to the CDL Human Resource portal on Zoho Recruit (cdl.zohorecruit.com). Note that this position is open to Kenyan candidates only.
