Mechanic in Charge

Position based in Koforidua, Ghana

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Company description 

 

Maagrace Garment Industries Limited (MGIL) is a leading apparel manufacturing firm established in 2003 in Ghana (West Africa). With a current workforce of approximately 600 operators, the factory has the capacity to expand and accommodate up to 800 individuals. Situated in a region with a population of over a million people, MGIL stands as the largest employer, contributing significantly to the local economy.

 

At MGIL, our vision is to pioneer ethical manufacturing practices on a large scale within the African context. We aspire to establish a model factory that exemplifies innovation, efficiency, and integrity, while delivering high-quality products to our customers. We specialize in both heavy and light weight garments including fleece, sweats, nightwear, underwear, shirts, schoolwear, dancewear. We work with mainly large scale brands in the USA and have strict quality and compliance requirements.

Central to our mission is the empowerment of our workforce, with a particular focus on promoting opportunities for women. 

 

MGIL has formed a strategic partnership with Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA), a sourcing company that specializes in delivering ethical, cost-competitive, and high-quality manufacturing solutions to international apparel brands operating in West Africa. Headquartered in Ghana, EAA boasts a dynamic team with extensive expertise garnered from various corners of the globe, spanning product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations, and finance. EAA collaborates with factories across West Africa to elevate technical and ethical standards to meet international benchmarks. Their clientele primarily comprises international brands hailing from Europe and the USA, all seeking to establish and expand their manufacturing presence within the African continent.

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Position overview

 

We have a great opportunity for someone with passion and expertise to continue to develop our Company as a Model Factory in the region. The role will be based in Koforidua which is 2 hours outside of Accra in Ghana, West Africa.  person will be responsible for the night shift and report to the Head Mechanic  and work closely with the EAA Technical team. They will have the following responsibilities:

 

Responsibilities

 

• Conduct in-depth mechanical assessments (capacities and capabilities) of Maagrace including identifying gaps in machinery and evaluating state of equipment

• Run a proactive / preventative maintenance and inventory system for machinery and accessories

• Train Maagrace teams on how to correctly handle each machine to respect safety and compliance norms including monitor the SOPS for broken needle and metal detection among others

• Before production starts, make recommendations on best machines in alignment with Maagrace General Manager

• During the product development stage, advise correct machines and accessories to be used to achieve more production-friendly, efficient construction methods

• Systematically ensure that machines are running with underbed trimmers, vacuum cutters and chain cutters in order to avoid unnecessary trimming helpers in the sewing line.

• Always make sure that extra machines are maintained mounted and ready to use to replace defective machines in the production line and avoid delay

• Research and recommend machinery suppliers and specific machines needed for production (based on gaps identified in assessments) and operational bulletin tool. 

• Develop (make) guides/ folders and other tools necessary for efficient production if they are not available within the timeline required for production.

• Manage all inventory of sewing machines and their parts including its accessories and reorder in time so production is not affected.

• Train local apprentice mechanics in all of the above areas; assess performance, manage coach, motivate and provide constructive feedback and submit technical and behavioral assessments.

• Anticipate bottlenecks and come up with innovative ideas to continuously improve sewing lines efficiency.

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Qualifications & Attributes

 

• Fluency in English required

• Proven experience as a mechanic and a trainer (minimum 10 years’ experience in a Garment factory environment)

• Experience in machine settings for a variety of products including undergarments, lingeries and low GSM stretch fabrics

• Excellent knowledge of garment industry machinery available on the international market specifically knowledge of electronic, mechanical, automatic thread cutting machines in addition to less sophisticated machines. Knowledge of Auto cutting, Auto Spreading machines and Band Knifes. Excellent knowledge of machine parts and contacts from companies is a plus.

• Experience in creating profiles for sewing machines.

• Proven experience developing curriculum and conducting training and passion for transferring skills and developing capacity in people

• Proven successful experience in managing factory equipment maintenance programs

• Deep understanding of customer markets and experience of working with Western brands from the USA and/or Europe

• Proven experience in conducting factory risks and needs assessments and creating action plans to bring factory to excellence

• Excellent leadership and training skills; ability to coach teams and develop individuals

• Exceptional cross-cultural communication and presentation skills

• Previous working/living experience in a developing country, preferably in Africa

• Experience of working on a night shift system

• Evidence of the following characteristics: pro-active, self aware; resilient and adaptable; persistent and resourceful; able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, apt at both strengthening relationships and resolving problems, poised, active listener; fun to work with; full of integrity; ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment 

 

How to apply 

 

• Start date : Jan 2025

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

• Please send a resume and specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the reference in the subject line “MGIL Mecha in Charge 25”

• Only completed applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates shortlisted for interview

• MGIL is dedicated to equal opportunities in employment, welcoming talents from Africa and around the world. We strongly encourage applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.

For more information: Maagrace and Ethical Apparel Africa