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JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Production Manager (night shift)

Position based in Koforidua, Ghana (West Africa)

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.

 

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. This person will report to the Production Manager with a dotted line to the  General Manager (Production) and work during the night shift. They will have the following responsibilities: 

Responsibilities

 

Production Management

  • Oversee the production floor during the night shift from a production execution, quality achievements and discipline. Ensure the factory meets on time production plans at color, style and PO level without quality rejects at AQL.  

  • Work closely with the Planning Manager and Production Manager to review production plans on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis against the factory and individual line's performance. 

  • Coach and develop the supervisors to ensure their lines meet their efficiency and quality targets

  • Effectively communicate to the supervisors for each order what the order quantity is, risk areas from the PP meeting, approved sample and also that they understand the tech packs so there are no mistakes in the production. 

  • Monitor the line input and WIP and work with the cutting department to ensure the lines are never idle. 

  • Ensure each line has a daily planning meeting with their supervisor to review daily performance and plan for excellence for the day ahead

  • Encourage operators to reach their target every day and ensure the efficiency bonus scheme is well understood and a source of motivation.

 

Evidence and data analysis

  • Monitor hourly, daily and weekly, monthly and quarterly units produced and work on action plans for improvement with the IE team. 

  • Ensure daily WIP is counted and monitored and lines balanced accordingly

 

Quality Process, Material and Optimization 

  • Support the Quality Team in implementing comprehensive quality assurance plans for every manufacturing process. Assist in defining quality standards as per Clients requirements including inspection procedures to align with the overarching quality management strategy.

  • Work in conjunction with the Quality Team to optimize production processes, contributing insights to enhance efficiency and minimize defects.

  • Lead the production teams to identify improvement areas, implement best practices, and maintain consistent adherence to established quality standards.

 

Sewing Technician Leadership

  • Ensure Sewing Technicians train workers to develop the necessary skills and confidence in stitching and machine handling.

  • Guide Sewing Technicians to specialize in handling various fabrics and materials with precision and attention to detail.

  • Oversee the setup of sewing machines for specific operations, ensuring correct stitch types, thread tensions, and needle types.

  • Lead Sewing technician team in training machine operators on operation-specific setups and adjustments.

  • Keep up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in garment sewing techniques.

  • Support and mentor sewing machine operators in learning specialized techniques.

 

People training and management

  • Role model leadership to the team of expat and local managers so that they in turn inspire the MGIL workforce -- establishing a ‘best place to work’ workplace culture that drives loyalty, engagement, ownership and efficiency 

  • Work with the Production Manager and HR department to ensure best practices followed for recruitment / hiring and that MGIL is hiring to the highest possible standard

  • Ensure continuous investment in MGIL’s people; Identify skill gaps and training opportunities for managers and supervisors in production and quality

  • Assign and monitor the activities and performance of supervisors in the line by ensuring that they are managing the lines appropriately.

  • Train Supervisors on how to read tech packs, take measurements, balance lines, monitor production, and manage sewing machines in the line in the absence of mechanics. 

  • Train operators on difficult operations and machines with support from the Technicians and Trainers. 

  • Hold teams accountable for on time attendance and work with the HR department to reduce absenteeism by motivating managers, supervisors

  • Assist daily wise to bringing to HR attention to all grievances and performance issues. 

  • Work with the HR and Industrial Engineering department to measure the performance of supervisors and line workers.

  • Maintain discipline in the line in accordance with Maagrace Policies and SOPs.

  • Maintain teamwork by showing leadership, communication, organising and supporting the team by knowing their weakness and strength. 

  • Demonstrate celebration of success as a way of motivating your team to continually improve

 

Compliance & Policies follow-up

  • Oversee all overtime requests as per the overtime policy. 

  • Ensure the production team complies with all Policies especially the non negotiable policy such as anti-harassment and abuse as well as anti forced labour policy. 

  • Support the Compliance manager in enforcing housekeeping and H&S related policies like using of needle guard, eye guard, hanged trimmers, PPE management, non blocking lane, non-blocking of extinguishers by production activities etc. 

  • Perform any other duties that may be assigned.

Qualifications & Attributes

 

  • Proficiency in English is essential

  • A minimum of 7-10 years of hands-on production experience within factory environments, preferably in a developing country, with a particular focus on Africa being a significant asset.

  • Expertise in Knit/Woven underwear, sleepwear, outerwear manufacturing for USA & European customers, demonstrating an understanding of their standards and requirements.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of stitching and seam types on garments. The candidate should be able to identify the machines used for stitching, such as overlock, single needle lock/chain stitch, double needle lock/chain stitch, multiple chain stitch, or flatlock.

  • Extensive experience in conducting practical training sessions and fostering the development of factory capabilities.

  • Strong background in cross-functional collaboration within factory teams, guiding products from initial concept to finished production, showcasing exemplary teamwork skills.

  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills, adept at navigating cultural nuances and delivering comprehensive technical reports.

  • Demonstrated leadership and managerial acumen, with a proven ability to inspire and guide teams towards achieving goals.

  • Ability to think critically, work hard, learn and progress

  • 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 

 

Benefits

 

  • Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile

  • International medical and repatriation insurance

  • Accommodation and transportation to/ from factory

  • 25 days of annual leave in addition to Ghana national holidays

  • Opportunity to join a key department of an award-winning, dynamic, and mission driven organization that welcomes strategic input from all members

 

How to apply 

 

  • Start date : ASAP

  • 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 APD 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

© 2018 EAA

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