Factory Manager

A leading premium textile manufacturer in Lansdowne, Cape Town, is seeking an experienced Factory Manager to take full operational accountability for their factory floor. This is a long-term leadership opportunity for a hands-on production leader passionate about efficiency, quality, and operational excellence in a growing South African business.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules for bedding, cushions, and soft furnishings.
  
• Conduct time studies and line balancing to maximize output and meet deadlines, including high-volume online retail orders.
  
• Identify and address production bottlenecks, ensuring seamless workflow.
  
• Oversee all aspects of quality control from fabric cutting to final packaging.
  
• Minimize errors, defects, and product returns by enforcing stringent quality standards.
  
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and operational procedures on the factory floor.
  
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce material waste and optimize labour utilisation.
  
• Monitor cost-per-unit and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency.
  
• Track and report key operational metrics to senior management.
  
• Lead, mentor, and maintain a disciplined, high-performing factory team of 40 staff.
  
• Conduct skills development and training to address gaps and strengthen capabilities.
  
• Ensure all factory opening and closing procedures, security, and operational compliance are followed.
  
• Ensure all factory machinery (sewing machines, cutting equipment, etc.) is properly maintained.
  
• Schedule preventive maintenance to avoid production delays.
  
• Coordinate with technical teams to resolve mechanical or operational issues efficiently.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years hands-on managerial experience in Textile Homeware manufacturing (bedding, cushions, soft furnishings).

• Proven expertise in time studies, line balancing, and efficiency improvement systems.

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.

• Tertiary qualification in Textile Technology, Production Management, or Industrial Engineering preferred, but extensive verifiable experience is acceptable.

• Excellent command of English; proficiency in an additional official South African language is advantageous.

• Permanent, full-time employment history; short-term contract experience will not be considered.

Ready to lead a premium textile production facility and make a lasting impact on operational excellence?

RPO Recruitment can help you secure your next opportunity.
Send your CV to [email protected] or visit rporecruitment.co.za

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 days. Otherwise, we’ll keep your details on file for future roles.