Head of Manufacturing

Purpose

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 7090 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 worldclass manufacturing environments comparable to toptier footwear manufacturers such as Nike or Adidas. This leader must drive automation reduce downtime and implement bestinclass 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 7090 capacity utilisation of all manufacturing equipment.
• Oversee daily production activities ensuring nonstop 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 highperformance 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 justintime (JIT) inventory control methods to optimize stock levels and reduce excess holding costs.

1. Workforce Development & Leadership:

• Lead mentor and develop a highperforming 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 ontime 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.

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 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 highperformance culture.
• Experience in managing largescale manufacturing operations comparable to top footwear factories globally.

Competencies & Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute longterm 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.
• ProblemSolving: Ability to analyse complex manufacturing issues and develop datadriven solutions.
• Leadership: Strong teambuilding 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.

Skills

Customer Satisfaction, Logistics, Quality Management, Six Sigma, Time Management, Quality Assurance, Management Skill, Accountability, Compliance, Pivotal, Iso 14001, Leadership, Methodologies, Excel, People Management, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Practice, Strategic Thinking, Strong Understanding, Inventory Control