Factory Manager - Apparel Manufacturing

Job Title: Factory Manager - Apparel Manufacturing
Function: Factory Management
Industry:Apparel Manufacturing
    
KEY INTERNAL INTERFACES    
•    Head of Finance & Operations
•    Supply Chain / Procurement
•    Design & Merchandising
•    HR & Administration
•    Warehouse & Logistics    

JOB PURPOSE    
To lead and manage our client 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 our client’s standards for quality, safety, and sustainability, while continuously improving productivity and efficiency to support business growth.

ORGANISATIONAL 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.

Duties:        
•   Lead daily apparel manufacturing operations (cut, make, trim, finishing) to achieve production, quality, and cost targets.

•    Develop weekly and monthly production schedules based on business demand.
•    Enforce and continuously improve quality systems, including inline and end-line inspection processes.
•    Monitor production efficiency, downtime, and quality through Odoo ERP dashboards and daily Gemba reviews.
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.
•    Manage preventive maintenance and ensure optimal equipment uptime.
•    Oversee operator training and performance management for consistent productivity.
•    Coordinate with Supply Chain for timely fabric, trims, and materials availability.
•    Partner with HR to ensure adequate staffing, adherence to labor laws, and healthy work culture.
•    Promote workplace safety and ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 standards.
•    Recommend machinery, layout, or process changes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
•    Prepare and present weekly production and quality performance reports to management.
•    Foster collaboration across production, QA, and design functions to enable fast product development and continuous improvement.
    
Requirement
    
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial / Mechanical / Textile Engineering, Production Management, or 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 / Industrial Safety
Technical Systems    
• Odoo ERP, Microsoft Excel, familiarity with automated sewing and finishing equipment

DESIRED TECHNICAL & 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 from Odoo ERP.
Behavioral Competencies
•    Leadership: Builds strong, accountable teams across production and QA.
•    Problem-Solving: Identifies root causes and drives rapid countermeasures.
•    Change Management: Leads process improvements and system adoption.
•    Communication: Provides clear direction and constructive feedback.
•    Resilience: Maintains composure and focus under production pressure.

WORKING CONDITIONS    
•    Shift Pattern: Single day shift (Monday–Saturday).
•    Environment: Factory floor, with direct oversight of production and quality zones.
•    Travel: Minimal.
•    PPE: Required in production and QA areas.
Note: Please note that this position is open to Kenyan candidates only.

BENEFITS    
•    Benefits: Medical cover and lunch allowance.