Denim Lab Manager

We have an exciting opportunity in the TFG Design & Manufacturing Division for our newly formed TFG Denim & Speciality Division! If your blood is Blue and you have a passion for Denim and you are seeking to make a difference in the South African Manufacturing landscape within Denim, then this is the Position for you! We are all about creating jobs in South Africa. The TFG Denim Design Division is Designing & product developing denim for all of the TFG Brands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing the TFG Denim Lab for TFG Design and Manufacturing Division. This Denim Lab will be responsible for Denim Product Development for the TFG Group.
• Work with wet & dry technicians to come up with recipes for washing & finishing to execute design teams’ requirements.
• Work extensively on-site and off site with strategic suppliers to develop recipes & product development samples for bulk execution.
• Collaborate with design team to product develop new washes & techniques for the upcoming season.
• Collaborate to scale lab recipes to bulk wash plant.
• Responsible for Product development of wash libraries & seasonal Wash developments as well as any dry processing techniques.
• Collaborate closely with buying and design denim teams to ensure strategic objectives are met within the designated timelines.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous improvement in supplier performance and alignment with company goals.
• Engage directly with suppliers to develop and execute improvement plans and troubleshoot issues in real-time.
• Work within QR timelines to execute samples for each division capsule showings.
• Constantly work on innovations in dry processing & research new techniques that are both cost effective & in line with forward trend.

Qualifications and Experience:

• National Diploma in Clothing Management or Clothing Production or Fashion Design is essential.
• MDP or SMDP (Management Development Programme) like qualification is desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience within manufacturing & design area of denim wash plant.
• Minimum 3 years in leading a team in a Washing/Finishing plant especially within a product development lab environment.
• In-depth knowledge of design, product development, manufacturing processes and retail dynamics.
• Familiarity with the denim industry and its specific challenges and opportunities.
• Proven experience in a similar role, with a strong track record of design, product development, improving supplier performance and achieving cost reductions.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence suppliers, designers, buyers, and planners and foster strong strategic partnerships.
• Ability to travel frequently to supplier sites and work flexibly according to project needs.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using data to make informed decisions and drive improvements.
• Leadership Skills - Ability to lead, guide & mentor a team and to set up new processes.
• Strong understanding of chemicals & sustainable washing practices.
• Open to feedback & continuous improvement.
• Teamwork – Drive & foster collaboration with design & buying teams.

Behaviours:

• Readily takes on new challenges and opportunities with a sense of urgency and eagerness.
• Effectively considers the diverse needs of various stakeholders.
• Forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective.
• Establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships.
• Applies market and business insights in order to drive organisational objectives.
• Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals.
• Conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner.
• Confronts and tackles challenging situations with courage.
• Creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success.
• Identifies, nurtures, and supports the growth of individuals within the organisation.
• Effectively plans, organises and directs the activities of individuals or teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation.
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets.
• Quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment.
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes.
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives.
• Effectively and creatively uses available resources to overcome challenges, solve problems, and achieve desired outcomes.
• Effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation.
• Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation.
• Leverages new technology to enhance productivity, improve problem solving, and support business growth.
• Recognises, respects, and appreciates the diverse values, beliefs, and perspectives of others.

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