Head of Manufacturing

Our client in the Manufacturing industry is seeking to recruit a Head of Manufacturing.

The Head of Manufacturing will oversee the entire production process, ensuring that all safety footwear is manufactured to meet global quality and safety standards (ISO 20345:2022, ASTM F2413:18). This role demands an experienced leader who will optimise production efficiency and maintain 70-90% capacity utilisation of all machines, and enforce Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence. The candidate must ensure seamless operations, meeting customer order demands in a timely manner while complying with all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements.

The ideal candidate will have experience in world-class manufacturing environments comparable to top-tier footwear manufacturers such as Nike or Adidas. This leader must drive automation, reduce downtime, and implement best-in-class manufacturing practices to sustain the reputation as the leading safety footwear manufacturer in West Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Production Management & Capacity Utilization:

• Develop and implement a Master Production Schedule (MPS) to optimise factory output and maintain 70-90% capacity utilisation of all manufacturing equipment.
• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring non-stop operations to meet customer order demands efficiently.
• Drive process improvements to increase production speed, reduce cycle times, and minimise waste while ensuring quality compliance.
• Introduce lean manufacturing techniques and continuous process improvement strategies to enhance productivity.

1. Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Ensure all safety footwear meets international safety standards (ISO 20345:2022, ASTM F2413:18).
• Lead the implementation of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications for quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety.
• Enforce strict compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations to guarantee worker safety and environmental sustainability.
• Conduct Six Sigma projects to eliminate defects, reduce variation, and enhance product reliability.

1. Equipment & Maintenance Optimization:

• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance program to minimise machine downtime and optimise efficiency.
• Oversee the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of high-performance manufacturing equipment to support production goals.
• Drive automation initiatives to improve precision and consistency in footwear manufacturing.

1. Operational Efficiency & Cost Management:

• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles, including Kaizen and 5S, to reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure optimal utilisation of materials, labour, and machine resources to reduce production costs while maintaining high product quality.
• Monitor and manage production budgets to achieve cost efficiency and profitability.

1. Supply Chain & Inventory Coordination:

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Supply Chain & Logistics to ensure raw materials are procured on time for uninterrupted production.
• Implement just-in-time (JIT) inventory control methods to optimize stock levels and reduce excess holding costs.

1. Workforce Development & Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and innovation.
• Ensure continuous training programs for production staff on Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and HSE best practices.
• Oversee workforce scheduling and labor planning to ensure optimal productivity levels.

1. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) & Sustainability:

• Ensure sustainable manufacturing practices by reducing carbon footprint, minimising waste, and promoting energy efficiency.
• Maintain ethical labour practices and enforce strict compliance with ESG guidelines in all production processes.
• Develop and implement waste recycling programs in alignment with global sustainability standards.

1. Order Fulfillment & Customer Satisfaction:

• Ensure on-time delivery of all customer orders, maintaining high service levels to key clients.
• Work closely with the Head of Commercial (B2B) and Head of Retail Sales (B2C) to align production output with market demand.
• Implement stringent quality checks to minimise defects and customer complaints.

Reporting Structure and Relationships

• Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Works closely with the Head of Supply Chain & Logistics to ensure seamless procurement and availability of raw materials.
• Collaborates with the Head of Commercial (B2B) and Head of Retail Sales (B2C) to align production schedules with sales demand and order fulfillment.
• Partners with the Quality Assurance, Health & Safety, and ESG teams to ensure full compliance with global manufacturing, safety, and environmental standards.
• Works with the Finance team to optimize production costs and ensure budget adherence.
• Interfaces with Engineering and Maintenance teams to ensure machinery uptime and continuous production.

Competencies & Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term manufacturing strategies aligned with business goals.
• Process Optimization: Expertise in Six Sigma, Lean, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, automation, and maintenance best practices.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to analyse complex manufacturing issues and develop data-driven solutions.
• Leadership: Strong team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor large teams.
• Sustainability Focus: Knowledge of ESG and sustainability practices in manufacturing.
• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities while ensuring production deadlines are met.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Operations Management, or related fields.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in footwear, apparel, or industrial goods manufacturing.
• Proven experience in implementing Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 45001) and global safety standards.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for production management.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to drive a high-performance culture.
• Experience in managing large-scale manufacturing operations comparable to top footwear factories globally.