Factory Manager (Textile Manufacturing)

The Recruitment Guy (Pty) Ltd; Piet Retief; On-site; ZAR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading textile manufacturer in Piet Retief is seeking an experienced Factory Manager to oversee large-scale garment production. This hands-on role requires a dynamic leader with 8–12 years of experience managing high-volume manufacturing plants, proven leadership skills, and knowledge of lean production principles. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with health and quality standards while mentoring production teams. Competitive, above-market salary is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of hands-on experience managing high-volume garment/textile manufacturing plants.
• Strong leadership background in factories producing wovens, knitwear, or both.
• Advanced knowledge of Gerber technology and industrial garment equipment.

Responsibilities

• Accountability for day-to-day garment production operations across all departments.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, performance, quality, and throughput for 500–1000 factory employees.
• Drive continuous improvement, waste reduction, and productivity optimisation using lean principles.

Skills

Production management

Leadership

Lean principles

Quality assurance

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Textile Technology

Recognised certifications in Garment Manufacturing

Tools

MS Excel

Factory MIS/ERP systems

Job description

Factory Manager (Textiles) – Piet Retief, Mpumalanga.

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the textile and garment sector, is seeking an experienced and operationally strong Factory Manager to oversee a large-scale clothing production facility in the Piet Retief / Southern Eswatini region.

This role requires a dynamic leader who is hands-on, results-driven, and comfortable managing production at scale within a high-output environment.

Industry: Large-scale Garment Factory | ±500–1000 Staff | Gerber Systems | Wovens & Knitwear.

Salary: Above-Market related available/negotiable for the right exp. Factory Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Full accountability for day-to-day garment production operations across all departments.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, performance, quality, and throughput for 500–1000 factory employees.
• Lead production planning, line efficiency, cost control, and delivery scheduling.
• Manage technical operations including Gerber automated cutting systems, sewing machinery, and finishing equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, labour, and quality standards in both South African and cross-border (Eswatini) contexts.
• Drive continuous improvement, waste reduction, and productivity optimisation using lean principles.
• Mentor and lead multi-level production and technical teams with a focus on stability, quality, and performance.

Requirements:

• National Diploma or Degree in: Textile Technology, Production/Operations Management, or Industrial Engineering
• Alt.: Recognised certifications in Garment Manufacturing, Lean Production, or Factory Management.
• Advanced MS Excel and factory MIS/ERP systems exp. will be beneficial.
• 8–12+ years of hands-on exp. managing high-volume garment/textile manufacturing plants.
• Strong leadership background in factories producing wovens, knitwear, or both.
• Demonstrated track record of managing 500+ staff across technical, supervisory, and production lines.
  Advanced knowledge of Gerber technology (marker planning, cutting room efficiency) and industrial garment equipment.
  Strong production planning, cost control, and quality assurance capabilities.

This role is based on-site and would ideally suit candidates residing in or willing to relocate to the Piet Retief or Southern Eswatini border region.