Production / Operations Manager

Introduction

A well-established and fast-growing business within the apparel and manufacturing sector is looking to appoint an experienced and highly driven Production / Operations Manager to oversee and manage a high-volume production environment at their Durban Head Office.

This is a senior operational leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has strong experience across production management, factory operations, planning, quality control, machinery oversight, stock management, and people leadership.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, production efficiency, quality standards, and on-time customer delivery performance across the business.

Duties & Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Manage the end-to-end production process across the manufacturing operation
• Ensure production targets, productivity levels, quality standards, and delivery deadlines are consistently achieved
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, and workflow management
• Manage factory capacity and production output
• Ensure smooth production flow across all production work centres
• Manage day and night shift operations, including handovers and reprioritisation where required
• Drive operational efficiencies and continuous improvement initiatives
• Analyse production data and troubleshoot operational issues

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain production schedules aligned to customer orders and delivery requirements
• Ensure effective management of production lead times and critical paths
• Coordinate delivery schedules to warehouse and production facilities
• Ensure successful bulk production setup and operational readiness

Sampling & Manufacturing Oversight

• Oversee digitising, costing, and sample production processes
• Ensure agreed sample turnaround times are achieved
• Ensure time studies and production records are maintained accurately

Stock, Materials & Machinery

• Oversee stockholding, raw material ordering, and inventory control
• Ensure security and control of production stock and materials
• Manage machinery maintenance, upkeep, and operational readiness
• Ensure all machinery and production equipment are functioning effectively

Quality Assurance & Health & Safety

• Drive quality assurance standards across production
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and operational procedures
• Ensure all safety equipment is operational and staff are trained on safety procedures
• Apply manufacturing systems and operational tools to improve safety, quality, and productivity

People Management

• Lead, manage, and motivate large production teams within a unionised environment
• Manage employee performance, attendance, absenteeism, and leave
• Handle employee relations matters including discipline, grievances, and counselling processes where required
• Build strong communication structures across production and operational teams

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Proven experience as a Production / Operations Manager within a high-volume manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of clothing manufacturing (CMT), embroidery, and printing machinery/processes
• Proven experience managing large production teams (50+ staff)
• Experience operating within a unionised manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, and factory capacity management
• Solid understanding of costing, material requirements, and production efficiencies
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational, and decision-making skills
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure within a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail and strong operational discipline
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Production Management or related field advantageous

Package & Remuneration

R70,000 – R100,000 CTC per month

Package dependent on experience, technical capability, and operational leadership background.

Application Process

***email_hidden***

A full detailed job specification will be shared with shortlisted and interested applicants during the recruitment process.