Operations Manager

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, is currently seeking applications for the position of Operations Manager, based in Mrisharai, Bangladesh, on a full-time contract, reporting to the General Manager. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world, currently employing over 6,000 staff worldwide. With 1,400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market-leading workwear, safety wear and PPE through our fully owned production facilities. We are on a mission to become the world's most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
JOB SUMMARY:
As the Operations Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations of our footwear manufacturing facility, ensuring production targets, quality standards and shipment schedules are achieved efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for overseeing the full production process, optimising factory resources, improving productivity, controlling costs, and coordinating effectively across production, planning, quality, maintenance and technical teams. This role plays a critical part in ensuring operational excellence and supporting the continued growth of Portwest's footwear manufacturing operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage daily production operations to achieve production targets, quality standards and shipment schedules.
Plan and coordinate production activities across cutting, stitching, assembly/injection, finishing, packing and dispatch functions.
Ensure the effective utilisation of manpower, machinery, materials and factory capacity to maximise productivity.
Monitor operational KPIs including output, efficiency, downtime, rejection rates, rework and material wastage, implementing corrective actions as required.
Work closely with Industrial Engineering and Planning teams on line balancing, capacity planning, manpower allocation and productivity improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain product standards and address the root causes of defects, rework and rejection.
Coordinate with Maintenance and Technical teams to minimise equipment downtime and ensure effective preventive maintenance programmes.
Drive cost control initiatives, reduce waste and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency across the factory.
Lead, coach and develop production teams, including supervisors and line leaders, promoting strong performance, accountability and safety standards.
Provide regular operational performance reporting to senior management and support continuous improvement, automation and capacity expansion projects.
Ensure compliance with 5S principles, workplace safety requirements, housekeeping standards and factory discipline.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Footwear Technology, Production Management, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
Minimum 8-10 years' experience within footwear manufacturing, including significant experience in production or operations management roles.
Experience managing production operations within a medium to large footwear manufacturing facility.
Experience within export-oriented safety footwear manufacturing, injection moulding operations, ERP/MES systems and automated production environments would be advantageous.
Strong understanding of footwear manufacturing processes including cutting, stitching, lasting, sole preparation, cementing and/or injection moulding, finishing and packing.
Experience in production planning, line balancing, industrial engineering systems and productivity improvement programmes.
Good knowledge of footwear machinery, manufacturing methods and quality standards.
Experience in manpower planning, workforce management and factory capacity optimisation.
Ability to perform effectively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment and work to demanding production and shipment deadlines.
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COMPANY AWARDS
Great Place To Work 2024
Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
Gold Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2026
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.