South Africa: Production Director – Technical Workwear & PPE (South East Asia)

Our client is an industry leader specializing in high-durability industrial workwear, partnering with world-renowned technical fabric suppliers to ensure durability meets efficiency. As Production Director, you will hold full accountability for end-to-end manufacturing performance across all assigned units. This role is built for a strategist who isn’t afraid to get onto the factory floor. You will drive a culture of data-driven decision-making , moving away from “opinion-based” management to a disciplined, high-accountability HOSHIN system. Key Performance Mandates Operational Excellence: Maintain On-Time Delivery (OTD) 98% and achieve plan vs. actual output 95%. Efficiency Standards: Achieve line efficiencies between 6575% while ensuring a demonstrable closing trend in the gap between sitting and standing lines. Strategic Cutting Room Reform: Oversee a designated priority improvement area focusing on marker yield, accuracy, and the transition to 100% Velcro strap adoption. Automation & Tech: Implement and track ROI on factory automation; our client rejects the idea that labor cost alone justifies manual processes. Quality & Compliance: Ensure a Right-First-Time (RFT) rate 95% and maintain quality data visibility in real time at the line level Leadership & Pipeline: Manage a unified leadership team and build a sustainable talent pipeline with a high “Leadership Bench Strength”. Governance: Drive a 95% closure rate on HOSHIN actions and ensure 100% data currencyvisibility is non-negotiable. What You Bring Senior Expertise: Proven experience managing large-scale garment manufacturing facilities. Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of workwear, industrial laundry, military specs, and PPE safety standards. Automation Mindset: A keen interest and documented experience in integrating automation and maintaining critical asset utilization. Regional Experience: Previous experience working in Asia is a significant advantage. Discipline: A relentless focus on 5S (Audit Score 90%), Lean (Kaizen), and continuous improvement. Package & Contract Salary: $15,000 USD per month. Contract: 2, 3, or 4-year renewable term subject to a successful 6-month probation period. Benefits: Provided vehicle and one return flight per year. Leave: 21 days annual leave (excluding public holidays). Working Hours: A disciplined 6-day week (Mon-Fri 08:0017:00; Sat 08:0012:00). Are you ready to lead? If you are a high-performing director who values technical accuracy and disciplined governance, this is your next career-defining move. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted