Production Manager – Retail Operations

About the role

Our client, a premium Made‑in‑Kenya leather goods brand rooted in heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability, is seeking a hands‑on Production Manager to oversee day‑to‑day workshop operations and support the transition to a scalable, factory‑grade operation.

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; oversee servicing, maintenance, sourcing and commissioning of machinery and new equipment.
• Control production data through ERP/MRP systems, ensure accurate dispatch of finished goods, and maintain compliance with labour, health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Lead the transition from workshop to factory‑grade operations by developing scalable processes, workflows and systems, and oversee layout, equipment and operational setup of the new factory.
• Manage custom and private‑label production, including sampling, costing and timelines.

Required profile

• 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 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 expertise, covering capacity, materials, workflows and output management.
• Knowledge of quality, machinery, materials and compliance with workplace safety, labour and environmental standards.
• Commercial acumen with understanding of costs, yield, margins and delivery targets.

Required skills

• Lean Six Sigma
• ERP/MRP systems
• Production planning
• Capacity management