South Africa: Production Director – Technical Workwear & PPE (South East Asia) posted by Fouche & Co Recruitment

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 65–75% 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 currency—visibility 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 08:00–17:00; Sat 08:00–12:00).

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***