Cutting Room Manager (Textile & Clothing Manufacturing)

The Recruitment Guy; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Cutting Room Manager in Newcastle. The role involves overseeing all cutting room operations, managing staff, and ensuring the efficient utilization of fabric. Applicants should have 5-7 years of supervisory experience in textile manufacturing, with strong leadership and organizational skills. Knowledge of cutting systems like Gerber and Lectra is advantageous. Relocation may be required.

Benefits

Market-related salary

Negotiable benefits based on experience

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in a supervisory role within textile manufacturing.
• Experience with high-volume woven and knit garments is essential.
• Strong understanding of garment construction and production workflow.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all cutting room operations including planning and cutting.
• Manage cutting staff to ensure productivity and quality.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles for continuous improvement.

Skills

Team leadership

Marker making

Fabric behaviour knowledge

Planning and organizational skills

People management

Education

Matric (Grade 12)

Relevant textile / garment qualification

Tools

Gerber

Lectra

Auto-CAD

Job description

Overview

Title: Cutting Room Manager

Area: Newcastle

Industry: Textile & Clothing Manufacturing

Ref No.: TRG 2369

Salary: Market-related + benefits (negotiable based on experience)

Start Date: ASAP / Negotiable

Type: Permanent / Full-time

Responsibilities

• Oversee all cutting room operations, including planning, marker making, spreading, cutting, bundling, and work allocation.
• Ensure efficient fabric utilisation and minimal wastage through strategic marker planning and control.
• Manage a team of cutting staff and assistants, ensuring consistent productivity, quality, and discipline.
• Monitor and maintain performance against cutting room KPIs (output, efficiency, error rate, and timelines).
• Coordinate closely with the production, pattern, and planning departments to align cutting schedules with production deadlines.
• Oversee maintenance and operation of cutting equipment, including Gerber / Lectra / auto cutters, and ensure all machines run optimally.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and contribute to continuous improvement in processes.
• Ensure fabric inspections, labeling, and job cards are completed accurately and on time.
• Enforce all health & safety protocols within the cutting room environment.
• Manage timekeeping, leave planning, and performance reviews for cutting staff.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years experience in a supervisory or management role within a textile or clothing manufacturing cutting room.
• Matric (Grade 12) + Relevant textile / garment qualification advantageous.
• Experience with high-volume woven and knit garments is essential.
• Proficient with cutting room planning, marker-making, and team leadership.
• Experience with Gerber / Lectra / Auto-CAD cutting systems (advantageous).
• Strong working knowledge of fabric behaviour, garment construction, and production workflow.
• Excellent people management, planning, and organisational skills.
• Comfortable managing multi-shift teams in a high-output environment.
• Must be able to relocate or commute to the Newcastle / Amajuba region.

Location/Travel

Newcastle / Amajuba region; relocation or commuting may be required.

Application Instructions

• We will ONLY consider applications from suitably experienced candidates that meet the requirements of this vacancy.