Production Manager

Position based in Koforidua, Ghana (West Africa)

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Company description 

 

Maagrace Garment Industries Limited (MGIL) is an apparel manufacturing firm created in 2003. Currently the factory has approximately 500 operators with the space to grow to employ 800 individuals. It is the largest employer in a region of a million people. Their vision is to develop a model factory that can show how ethical manufacturing can be done at scale in an African context. This will be achieved through innovation, efficiency and integrity, providing the best quality products to customers whilst empowering their workforce, especially women. MGIL also has a Foundation focused on alleviating poverty within its neighboring communities. 

 

MGIL is partnering with Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA), a sourcing company that provides international apparel brands with ethical, cost competitive and quality manufacturing solutions in West Africa. Based in Ghana and Benin, EAA has a dynamic team bringing decades of experience from around the world in product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations and finance. EAA works with West African factories to build technical and ethical standards to international standards. Their clients are international brands mostly from Europe and the USA interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa.

 

Position overview

 

We have a great opportunity for someone with passion to lead the whole factory as Production Manager. The role will be based in Koforidua which is 2 hours outside of Accra the capital city of Ghana (West Africa). This person will report to the General Manager and will have the following responsibilities: 

 

Job Responsibilities

 

Production Management

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

• Responsible for ensuring the factory meets the production plan on time at color, style and PO level with no quality rejects at AQL.  

• 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. 

• Support supervisors and managers to ensure the lines are properly balanced in the plan and daily for target output. 

• Deliver the output targets and efficiency within the working hour and overtime targets. 

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

• Contribute to the daily production meeting with other department heads under the guidance of the GM

 

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

• Account and document all damaged/wasted units of garments in the lines with the Quality Manager and be ready to discuss production outcomes with the Planning Manager and General Manager and during management meetings

 

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 HR Manager 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

• 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 c=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 

 

• Proven experience as Production Manager (minimum 8 years’ experience) of a factory with at least 500 machines

• Excellent interpersonal relations and managerial competences with exceptional communication and presentation skills across cultures and strong teamwork skills

• Experience in developing training programs and training staff

• Experience working with Western brands from the USA or Europe 

• Experience in taking product from concept to finished production, including successful experience in producing woven tops and bottoms plus outerwear, especially jackets (both light weight and heavy, quilted, fleece padded, with and without hoods) 

• Sound knowledge on HR policies and industry compliance requirements

• Experience working with ERP systems and improving production efficiency

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

• Entrepreneurial attitude to taking on new challenges and taking ownership in a self-directed manner

• Ability to think strategically while being able to sit on a machine and working alongside people with a ‘hands on’ approach, 

• Evidence of the following characteristics: critical thinker; proactive, 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 

• Fluency in English

 

How to apply 

 

• This position will start asap

• As applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, kindly send a resume ​and a separate and specific cover letter for this position ​to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com, using the reference “PM 22”​ as the subject of your email

• Only complete applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates will be short-listed for interview

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EAA and MGIL are equal opportunity employers. Both qualified Females and Males are encouraged to apply.