About the position
Our client, a well-established CMT Clothing Manufacturing company based in Durban, is looking to fill the position of Factory Manager.
Purpose of the Role:
The Factory Manager will be responsible for the overall operational performance of the CMT
clothing factory. This role ensures that production targets are met on time, within cost,
and to required quality standards, while maintaining efficient workflows, labour
productivity, compliance, and a safe working environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Production & Operations Management:
- Plan, coordinate, and control daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
- Ensure efficient cutting, sewing, finishing, and packing operations.
- Monitor line efficiency, output targets, and workflow balance.
- Ensure on-time delivery of customer orders in line with production plans.
- Resolve production bottlenecks and operational challenges promptly.
- Ability to sew using at least 2 machineries.
Quality Control & Compliance:
- Implement and enforce quality standards across all production stages.
- Ensure garments meet customer specifications and approved samples.
- Reduce reworks, rejects, and fabric wastage.
- Ensure compliance with buyer standards, health and safety regulations, and labour laws.
Staff Management & Leadership:
- Lead, supervise, and motivate supervisors, line managers, and factory staff.
- Allocate manpower effectively across production lines.
- Manage attendance, discipline, performance, and productivity.
- Identify training needs and support skills development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Cost Control & Efficiency:
- Control labour costs, overtime, and production expenses.
- Monitor fabric usage, trims, and consumables to minimise waste.
- Improve productivity and efficiency through better planning and process improvement.
- Work closely with finance/admin to manage budgets and cost reports.
Planning, Reporting & Administration:
- Prepare and review daily, weekly, and monthly production reports.
- Track KPIs such as efficiency, output, quality defects, and absenteeism.
- Communicate production progress, delays, and risks to management.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping for production, staff, and materials.
Health, Safety & Housekeeping:
- Ensure a clean, organised, and safe factory environment.
- Enforce health and safety policies and procedures.
- Address safety risks, incidents, and compliance requirements.
Client & Stakeholder Coordination:
- Liaise with clients, merchandisers, and internal departments where required.
- Support audits, inspections, and customer visits.
- Ensure factory readiness for new styles, orders, and production changes.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Grade 12 Senior Certificate
- Diploma or Degree in Clothing Management, Production Management
- Operations Management, or related field (advantageous)
- Strong practical experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualification
- 5 - 10 years' experience in a CMT clothing factory
- Minimum 3 - 5 years in a supervisory or management role
- Proven experience managing sewing lines and production planning
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- In-depth understanding of CMT production processes
- Excellent planning, problem-solving, and decision-making ability
- Strong knowledge of quality control systems in apparel manufacturing
- Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
- Computer literacy (production reports, Excel, basic systems)
Working Conditions:
- Factory-based environment.
- May require extended hours during peak production periods.
If you are interested in applying for this role, please send a detailed copy of your CV to [Email Address Removed]
If you have not been contacted within two (2) weeks, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Desired Skills:
- Production Management
- Operations Management
- Quality Control
- Staff Management
- Cost Control
- Planning
- Reporting
