Factory Manager (Textile Manufacturing)

The Recruitment Guy (Pty) Ltd; Piet Retief; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading textile manufacturing firm is seeking an experienced Factory Manager to oversee large-scale clothing production in Piet Retief. The ideal candidate will possess a strong leadership background and over 8 years of experience in managing high-volume manufacturing operations. This on-site role requires expertise in production planning, cost control, and compliance with safety standards. Competitive salary offered 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

• Oversee day-to-day garment production operations across all departments.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, labour, and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and productivity optimisation using lean principles.

Skills

Leadership

Production planning

Cost control

Quality assurance

Advanced MS Excel

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Textile Technology, Production/Operations Management, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Gerber Systems

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
• Alternative: Recognised certifications in Garment Manufacturing, Lean Production, or Factory Management.
• Advanced MS Excel and factory MIS/ERP systems experience will be beneficial.
• 8–12+ years of hands-on experience 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.