Head of Manufacturing Operations - Gqeberha

TFG Tapestry is investing in local manufacturing as a core part of the TFG value chain. As Tapestry Home Brands grows its manufacturing capability, we are appointing a senior executive to lead this next phase.

As Head of Manufacturing Operations, you will hold end-to-end accountability for both Tapestry Textiles manufacturing facilities. You will turn group strategy into consistent operational results: quality product, delivered on time, at the right cost, with factory capability aligned to retail demand.

You will be the principal interface between manufacturing and the wider TFG business, partnering with Retail, Merchandise, Buying, Sourcing, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources and the Executive Leadership team. You will also represent the business externally with organised labour, industry bodies and government-led institutions that are critical partners in the growth and stability of local manufacturing. This role suits a commercially astute operations leader who wants to shape the future of local manufacturing in one of South Africa’s leading retail groups.

- National Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Clothing Management, Finance, Human Resources or a related discipline.

Experience:

- 8–10 years’ experience in a comparable manufacturing environment, including substantial senior leadership experience.
- At least 5 years’ experience in clothing or textile manufacturing, including technical clothing experience.
- Advantageous: Proven experience leading multi-site manufacturing operations.
- Experience working closely with retail, merchandise or supply chain functions.
- Experience negotiating with trade unions and engaging with bargaining councils in a manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to government-led industrial development programmes, incentive schemes or sector partnerships.

Skills:

- Strategic leadership: able to translate business strategy into manufacturing results
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior and executive level
- Production planning, capacity management and industrial engineering knowledge
- Good technical knowledge of operations and textile processes
- Quality management and continuous improvement (e.g. Lean manufacturing)
- Strong financial skills, including budgeting, cost control, margin management and analysis of performance data
- Strong governance, risk management and decision-making skills
- Working knowledge of health and safety legislation (OHS Act), compliance and labour relations

Behaviours:

- Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
- Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective
- Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
- Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
- Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions
- Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation
- Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
- Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
- Organisational Savvy - understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people
- Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation
- Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.