Production Manager – Canvas & Sewing Operations (CMT)
Location: Airport City, Cape Town
Company: Cape Umbrellas
About Cape Umbrellas
Cape Umbrellas is South Africa's leading manufacturer of premium outdoor umbrellas and shade solutions, supplying the hospitality, commercial and retail sectors locally and internationally. We pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship, innovation and continuous improvement.
We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to take ownership of our Canvas Manufacturing Department, leading our cutting, sewing and pattern-making operations while driving productivity, quality and operational excellence.
The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the complete canvas manufacturing process, from receiving production schedules through to finished sewn products.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who enjoys being on the factory floor, developing people, improving systems and ensuring production targets are consistently achieved.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management
- Manage all daily production within the sewing and canvas departments.
- Plan and schedule workloads across multiple sewing lines.
- Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining quality standards.
- Monitor daily output and labour efficiency.
- Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure production deadlines are consistently met.
Canvas Cutting Department
- Manage the cutting room and fabric utilisation.
- Ensure accurate marker layouts and minimum fabric waste.
- Maintain cutting quality and dimensional accuracy.
- Coordinate cutting priorities with production requirements.
Pattern Making & Product Development
- Oversee pattern development for new products.
- Maintain pattern libraries and revision control.
- Work closely with Product Development and Design teams.
- Assist in improving manufacturing methods and product construction.
Sewing Department
- Lead multiple sewing teams and supervisors.
- Improve workflow and workstation efficiency.
- Standardise sewing methods.
- Reduce rework and production downtime.
- Drive continuous operator training.
Quality Control
- Ensure products meet Cape Umbrellas' quality standards.
- Implement quality checks throughout production.
- Analyse defects and implement preventative measures.
- Reduce rejects and warranty issues.
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop supervisors and operators.
- Conduct performance reviews.
- Build a positive, disciplined production culture.
- Ensure adherence to company procedures and safety standards.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Improve production efficiency.
- Reduce waste.
- Improve labour productivity.
- Implement systems that create lasting operational improvements.
Planning & Reporting
- Monitor daily production performance.
- Report on productivity, efficiencies and labour utilisation.
- Maintain accurate production records.
- Work closely with Procurement, Stores, Sales and Dispatch to ensure smooth workflow.
Minimum Requirements
- 5+ years' experience managing a CMT, upholstery, industrial sewing or technical textile manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of industrial sewing machines and production processes.
- Experience managing production planning and scheduling.
- Experience with pattern making and fabric cutting operations.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
- Computer literate (Excel essential).
- Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
Advantageous
- Experience in outdoor furniture, awnings, umbrellas, marine canvas, tents or industrial textile manufacturing.
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
- Knowledge of workflow balancing and line efficiency.
- Exposure to ERP or production management systems.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
- Leads from the factory floor.
- Has a passion for manufacturing.
- Is highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Holds people accountable while building strong teams.
- Continuously looks for ways to improve systems and efficiency.
- Takes ownership and delivers results.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time delivery.
- Labour efficiency.
- Production output.
- First-pass quality.
- Fabric utilisation and waste reduction.
- Rework percentage.
- Staff productivity.
- Continuous improvement initiatives implemented.
- Health & Safety compliance.
Remuneration
Market-related salary based on experience and qualifications.
If you have a passion for manufacturing, operational excellence and leading high-performing production teams, we'd love to hear from you.
Work Location: In person
