Textile Production Manager

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the complete canvas manufacturing process, from receiving production schedules through to finished sewn products.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who enjoys being on the factory floor, developing people, improving systems and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Manage all daily production within the sewing and canvas departments.
• Plan and schedule workloads across multiple sewing lines.
• Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining quality standards.
• Monitor daily output and labour efficiency.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure production deadlines are consistently met.
• Manage the cutting room and fabric utilisation.
• Ensure accurate marker layouts and minimum fabric waste.
• Maintain cutting quality and dimensional accuracy.
• Coordinate cutting priorities with production requirements.

Pattern Making & Product Development

• Oversee pattern development for new products.
• Maintain pattern libraries and revision control.
• Work closely with Product Development and Design teams.
• Assist in improving manufacturing methods and product construction.

Sewing Department

• Lead multiple sewing teams and supervisors.
• Improve workflow and workstation efficiency.
• Standardise sewing methods.
• Reduce rework and production downtime.
• Drive continuous operator training.

Quality Control

• Ensure products meet quality standards.
• Implement quality checks throughout production.
• Analyse defects and implement preventative measures.
• Reduce rejects and warranty issues.
• Lead, coach and develop supervisors and operators.
• Conduct performance reviews.
• Build a positive, disciplined production culture.
• Ensure adherence to company procedures and safety standards.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Reduce waste.
• Implement systems that create lasting operational improvements.

Planning & Reporting

• Monitor daily production performance.
• Report on productivity, efficiencies and labour utilisation.
• Maintain accurate production records.
• Work closely with Procurement, Stores, Sales and Dispatch to ensure smooth workflow.
• 5+ years' experience managing a CMT, upholstery, industrial sewing or technical textile manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of industrial sewing machines and production processes.
• Experience managing production planning and scheduling.
• Experience with pattern making and fabric cutting operations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.

Advantageous

• Experience in outdoor furniture, awnings, umbrellas, marine canvas, tents or industrial textile manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Knowledge of workflow balancing and line efficiency.
• Exposure to ERP or production management systems.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads from the factory floor.
• Has a passion for manufacturing.
• Is highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Holds people accountable while building strong teams.
• Continuously looks for ways to improve systems and efficiency.
• Takes ownership and delivers results.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production output.
• Fabric utilisation and waste reduction.
• Rework percentage.
• Staff productivity.
• Continuous improvement initiatives implemented.

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