Manufacturing Operations & Performance Manager at Bradfield Consulting

Job Summary

• The Manufacturing Operations & Performance Manager will work closely with the General Manager – Production to drive manufacturing planning, operational performance, cost efficiency, process improvement and the execution of key business priorities.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating manufacturing plans, monitoring operational performance, analysing production data, identifying efficiency gaps and providing actionable insights to support management decision-making.
• Working collaboratively with the Factory Operations Manager and other functional heads, the role will ensure effective coordination across Production, Procurement, Finance, Quality Assurance and Inventory to improve manufacturing efficiency, optimise resources and achieve agreed operational targets.
• This is a strategic planning, coordination and performance management role that focuses on operational oversight, analysis and execution rather than direct factory-floor supervision.

Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Planning and Operational Coordination:

• Work closely with the General Manager – Production to translate manufacturing objectives into operational plans, priorities and measurable performance targets.
• Coordinate production plans in line with customer orders, available production capacity, material availability and delivery timelines.
• Monitor the implementation of approved production plans and proactively identify potential delays, resource constraints and operational bottlenecks.
• Coordinate activities across Production, Procurement, Finance, Quality Assurance and Inventory to ensure effective manufacturing execution.
• Facilitate alignment between relevant departments to ensure smooth production workflows and achievement of operational objectives.

Manufacturing Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Develop, maintain and monitor manufacturing performance dashboards and reporting frameworks.
• Track key operational indicators, including production output, capacity utilisation, order fulfilment, production lead times and overall operational efficiency.
• Analyse production performance, identify gaps against established targets and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Prepare periodic manufacturing performance reports, operational reviews and management updates for the General Manager – Production.
• Monitor departmental performance against agreed targets and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding action points.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to support management decisions and improve manufacturing performance.

Cost Management and Resource Optimisation:

• Monitor manufacturing costs, material consumption, production wastage and overall resource utilisation.
• Analyse actual production costs against approved budgets and estimates, identifying significant variances and opportunities for improvement.
• Work with the Factory Operations Manager to identify opportunities to improve productivity, minimise operational waste and enhance cost efficiency.
• Support production capacity planning, workforce analysis and equipment investment assessments.
• Identify and recommend cost-saving initiatives and resource optimisation strategies.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented cost-reduction initiatives and evaluate their impact on operational performance.

Inventory Management and Operational Controls:

• Monitor raw material availability against production requirements to minimise disruptions and ensure continuity of manufacturing activities.
• Review inventory reports, stock movements, material consumption records and reconciliation reports to ensure accuracy and visibility.
• Track procurement timelines, supplier-related delays and material shortages that could affect production schedules.
• Monitor compliance with approved operational procedures, documentation standards and internal control requirements.
• Work with Internal Audit and relevant departments to identify and address operational control gaps.
• Provide management with timely updates on inventory-related risks, material availability and potential production constraints.

Process Improvement, Systems and Operational Excellence:

• Identify operational inefficiencies, process gaps and bottlenecks, recommending practical improvements to manufacturing workflows.
• Support the development, documentation and implementation of operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Drive effective utilisation of Odoo for production tracking, inventory management, operational monitoring and performance reporting.
• Coordinate the implementation of approved process improvement initiatives across relevant departments.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented improvements and assess their impact on productivity, cost efficiency and operational performance.
• Promote standardisation, process discipline and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations.

Management Support and Strategic Execution:

• Provide operational, analytical and administrative support to the General Manager – Production.
• Track strategic manufacturing initiatives, management decisions and agreed deliverables to ensure timely execution.
• Coordinate operational performance reviews and follow up with relevant departments on outstanding action points.
• Prepare management presentations, performance reports, operational analyses and business updates.
• Identify emerging operational risks, highlight potential business implications and recommend practical solutions.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and ensure alignment with agreed manufacturing priorities.
• Undertake special projects and other assignments as may be delegated by the General Manager – Production.

Experience & Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant experience in manufacturing operations, production planning, operational performance management or manufacturing process improvement.
• At least 3 years in a managerial, supervisory or senior coordination capacity.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating manufacturing activities across multiple departments.
• Practical experience in production performance monitoring, operational reporting, cost analysis and resource optimisation.
• Experience developing performance dashboards, analysing operational KPIs and preparing management reports.
• Good understanding of inventory management, material planning and manufacturing controls.
• Experience working with ERP systems, particularly Odoo, is an advantage.
• Previous experience in fashion, apparel or garment manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience supporting senior manufacturing leadership or working closely with a General Manager – Production is desirable.

Required Skills:

• The successful candidate should demonstrate strong analytical, operational planning and performance management capabilities, with the ability to coordinate manufacturing activities, interpret operational data and drive continuous improvement.

Key areas of competence include:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning and operational coordination.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret production data and identify performance gaps.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing performance metrics, including production output, capacity utilisation, efficiency, lead times and order fulfilment.
• Good understanding of manufacturing cost analysis, material consumption, wastage and resource optimisation.
• Strong inventory monitoring and operational control capabilities.
• Proficiency in developing performance dashboards, operational reports and management presentations.
• Practical knowledge of ERP systems, particularly Odoo, for production tracking, inventory management and reporting.
• Strong understanding of process improvement, SOP development and operational efficiency.
• Excellent project coordination, stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong communication, presentation and report-writing abilities.
• High level of accountability, attention to detail and execution discipline.
• Ability to translate operational data and management priorities into actionable plans and measurable results.