Production Manager

Position:

Clothing Production Manager

Reports To

Managing Director / Operations Director

Purpose of the Role

The Clothing Production Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of garment production to ensure products are manufactured and delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The role manages both in-house manufacturing and external CMT (Cut, Make and Trim) production, while also overseeing the sourcing of locally manufactured and imported garments.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan and manage the complete production process from order confirmation to final delivery.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet customer deadlines.
• Monitor production capacity and allocate work efficiently between the in-house factory and external CMT partners.
• Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining high quality standards.
• Continuously improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity and reduce costs.
• Coordinate with Sales, Procurement, Warehouse, and Dispatch to ensure seamless operations.

In-House Factory Management

• Manage daily operations of the manufacturing facility.
• Supervise production supervisors and factory staff.
• Monitor productivity, efficiency, and labour utilisation.
• Ensure machinery is maintained and downtime is minimised.
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

CMT (Cut, Make and Trim) Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage external CMT suppliers.
• Allocate production according to each supplier's capabilities and capacity.
• Monitor production progress through regular factory visits.
• Ensure CMT partners meet agreed quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
• Resolve production challenges proactively to prevent delays.
• Build strong long-term supplier relationships.

Sourcing and Procurement

• Source locally manufactured garments, fabrics, trims, and accessories.
• Identify and develop relationships with reliable local suppliers.
• Source imported garments and products from international manufacturers.
• Obtain competitive quotations and negotiate pricing, lead times, and payment terms.
• Monitor international supply chain performance and shipping schedules.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure product specifications are met.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and maintain quality standards across all production.
• Implement quality control procedures throughout the manufacturing process.
• Conduct inspections during production and prior to dispatch.
• Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure customer specifications are consistently achieved.

Inventory and Material Planning

• Monitor raw material requirements and stock levels.
• Work with procurement to ensure materials are available before production commences.
• Minimise waste and optimise fabric utilisation.
• Ensure accurate inventory control of production materials.

Cost Control

• Monitor production costs and identify opportunities for savings.
• Manage labour efficiency and factory overheads.
• Analyse production variances and recommend improvements.
• Ensure production operates within approved budgets.

Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local and international suppliers.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews.
• Negotiate pricing, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
• Source alternative suppliers when required.

Reporting

Prepare regular reports on:

• Production performance
• Factory efficiency
• Order status
• On-time delivery
• Quality metrics
• Supplier performance
• Production costs
• Capacity utilisation
• Continuous improvement initiatives

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years' experience in clothing manufacturing and production management.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, trims, and apparel manufacturing.
• Experience managing both in-house manufacturing and CMT operations.
• Experience sourcing both locally manufactured and imported garments.
• Strong production planning and scheduling experience.
• Excellent supplier negotiation skills.
• Sound understanding of quality management systems.
• Experience working with ERP systems (preferably SAP or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Clothing Production, Fashion, Textile Technology, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Additional qualifications in Lean Manufacturing or Production Management will be advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and people management
• Production planning and scheduling
• Supply chain management
• Negotiation and supplier management
• Quality management
• Cost control
• Time management
• Decision-making
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Attention to detail
• Commercial awareness
• Strong organisational skills
• Strong MS Excel skills
• Experience in SAP advantageous

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery performance
• Production efficiency and productivity
• Factory utilisation
• Quality defect rate
• Customer returns and complaints
• Cost per garment
• Material wastage
• Supplier delivery performance
• CMT performance
• Inventory accuracy
• Gross margin achievement
• Health and safety compliance
• Continuous improvement initiatives implemented

Work Location: In person