Production Manager (Retail) – Nairobi, Kenya at Summit Recruitment and Search

The Production Manager will oversee production across cutting, stitching, assembly and finishing, ensuring orders are delivered on time, at target output and to premium quality standards. The role will also lead the development of processes, systems, people and infrastructure required to significantly scale production capacity over the coming years.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee daily and weekly production, allocate work across artisan teams, manage capacity, stock and custom orders, and ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain premium quality standards across cutting, stitching, assembly and finishing implement SOPs, Lean/Six Sigma and continuous-improvement practices.
• Manage leather, hardware and other production materials and suppliers; maintain appropriate stock levels; and oversee servicing, maintenance, sourcing and commissioning of machinery and new production equipment.
• Manage production data through ERP/MRP and capacity systems, ensure accurate and timely dispatch of finished goods, and maintain compliance with labour, occupational health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Lead the transition from workshop to factory-grade operations by developing scalable processes, workflows and systems, and oversee the layout, workflow, equipment and operational setup of the new factory.
• Manage custom and private-label production, including sampling, costing and timelines.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA is a plus.
• 5+ years production management experience in leather goods, footwear, garments, furniture or similar skilled manufacturing.
• Hands-on leadership skills with experience managing production teams and developing supervisors.
• Process improvement experience, including SOPs, Lean/Six Sigma and manufacturing scale-up.
• Strong production planning and ERP/MRP skills, including capacity, materials, workflows and output management.
• Knowledge of quality, machinery, materials and compliance, including workplace safety, labour and environmental standards.
• Strong commercial and problem-solving skills, with an understanding of costs, yield, margins and delivery targets.