Technical Manager

Position based in Accra, Ghana (West Africa)

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Company description 

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Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA) is a trailblazer in the West African apparel sector, offering international brands a gateway to ethical, cost-effective, and high-quality manufacturing. Working across both our own factories plus another 4 partner factories, we are a manufacturer of apparel products, exporting on average $5m of product a year. By 2030 our vision is to directly create 10,000 jobs, over 70% for women and source / manufacture annual exports of $100M.

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Our commitment to ethical practices is not confined to high-end products; we're proving that large-scale manufacturing can uphold these values too. From our base in Ghana, our seasoned team excels in product development, quality assurance, and more, ensuring a positive social impact with a worker wellbeing centric approach. 

Our garment manufacturing company specializes in both heavy and light weight garments including fleece, sweats, nightwear, underwear, shirts, schoolwear, dancewear, and even pet products. We work with mainly large scale brands in the USA and have strict quality and compliance requirements.

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At EAA, we're not just operating factories; we're revolutionizing an industry starting it right from the beginning in West Africa. Collaborating with governments and development agencies, we're fostering an ecosystem ripe for industrial growth, setting a new precedent for ethical manufacturing on a global scale.

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Position overview

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Join our dynamic team in Ghana, West Africa, and take on the role of Technical Manager in the thriving clothing manufacturing industry. This is your chance to make a tangible impact and spearhead industry development on an exciting new frontier. Reporting directly to the Technical Director, you'll collaborate closely with our exceptional EAA teams in Ghana with a potential to grow to a more senior position.

As the Technical Manager your responsibilities include managing product from tech pack through production to export, managing and developing local technical managers and training current and new factories to export at international standards with international standard processes.  Your responsibilities will include the following:

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• Conduct comprehensive capacity needs assessments, implement corrective action plans, and deliver tailored technical training to elevate factory capabilities to international standards of excellence.

• Lead factory setup projects from product development initiatives, sampling stage to bulk production overseeing and quality control while optimizing manufacturing methods for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

• Ensure partner factories’ Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly manufacturing targets are met in terms of output, quality, lead time & WIP in cutting, sewing, and finishing units, focus on manufacturing performance, ensure optimum allocation of resources and implement lean automation initiatives within the plant, assure 100% quality of the manufacturing process and products.

• Oversee partner factories EAA orders production process is completed in full on time with minimum costs, by achieving budgeted planned quantities.

• Conduct comprehensive and rigorous AQL reports prior to shipment to assure 100% quality of the manufacturing process and products

• Lead and motivate the local technical team and provide necessary on the jobs coaching to achieve exceptional performance aligned with strong KPIs. 

• Work with all operations teams to achieve set Factory Goals and KPIs.

• Support SME partner factories in their post-production evaluations, identifying successes and areas for improvement, thus contributing to continuous enhancement and innovation within the industry.

• Analyze production workflows and design efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make products or provide services.

• Develop and implement industrial engineering (IE) strategies to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.

• Utilize statistical methods and perform detailed analysis to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement lean manufacturing techniques and automation solutions.

• Monitor and evaluate production metrics to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to quality standards.

• Provide technical support and training to staff on new processes and equipment to ensure smooth implementation and operation.

• If you're passionate about driving change and fostering excellence in clothing manufacturing, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to make your mark in West Africa's burgeoning market. 

 

Qualifications, skills, and attributes required​

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• Proficiency in English is essential, French is a big plus.

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

• Proficient in manually determining Standard Minute Values (SMVs), conducting work studies, and conducting product costs.

• Demonstrated expertise in translating tech packs into tangible samples through hands-on sewing experience.

• 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.

• Excellent proficiency in computer applications, particularly in Excel and report writing.

• Ability to work independently on self-directed projects with an entrepreneurial attitude

• 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

 

• Full time employment contract 

• Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile

• Annual flight and rent allowance

• Health and repatriation insurance in Africa and home country if different

• 25 days of annual leave in addition to Ghana national holidays, 30 days of sick leave 

• 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 

 

• Commencement Date: ASAP

• Applications will be assessed continuously. 

• Please submit your resume along with a tailored cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com, ensuring the reference "EAA Tech Mnger 25" is clearly stated in the subject line. 

• Note that only complete applications with the correct reference will be reviewed, and only the most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews. 

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

 

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com 

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