Textiles Production Manager
What is the work like?
As a textiles production manager, you would be responsible for overseeing all stages of the textiles manufacturing process. You would make sure that the process runs smoothly, is cost-effective and delivers products to the right quality and on time.
Your responsibilities would include:
- working with suppliers (in the UK and overseas) to agree on quality standards, price, delivery times and ethical production issues
- planning and monitoring production schedules and altering them when necessary
- working closely with maintenance technicians to overcome production hold ups, such as machine faults
- working with in-house design and sales teams, buyers and quality control departments
- managing orders from retail and wholesale customers.
Due to the growth of global markets, you may be responsible for the management of supply chains extending across several countries, which could involve extensive travel.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
For this role, you would normally need a relevant foundation degree, BTEC HND or degree.
Relevant courses include:
- textiles production
- fashion and textile management
- fashion and clothing technology.
If you study fashion design, it will improve your career prospects if your course has a strong technical and production focus. See the profile for Fashion Designer for more details.
To search for colleges and universities offering fashion and textile-related courses and degrees, visit the website of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with the individual colleges and universities for their entry requirements.
You could also move into production management if you have several years' experience of working in textiles and fashion production as an assistant or technician.
For details about roles in the clothing and textiles industries, visit Can U Cut It? and Future Textiles.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally start work with a company on a management trainee scheme, receiving on-the-job training. This would include hands-on experience in different parts of the organisation, working under supervision.
The Textile Institute (TI) offers a range of professional development qualifications, including its Fellowship, Associateship and Licentiateship awards. The level you choose would depend on the qualifications you already have and your level of experience. The TI also has a list of national and international institutions offering recognised qualifications for this career.
You could also work towards the Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma offered by the Institute of Operations Management.
Where can I go for more information?
Sir William Lyons Road
Coventry
CV4 7EZ
Tel: 024 7669 2266
St James's Buildings
Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6FQ
Tel: 0161 237 1188
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Production managers can expect to earn from £20,000 to £27,000 a year.
- Experienced managers can earn between £30,000 and £50,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work from 37 to 40 hours a week. Many companies operate a shift system and you may have out-of-hours duties to deal with problems.
Much of your time would be spent in the office, although you may have to travel around the UK or overseas to meet suppliers or clients.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good knowledge of the production process
- project management skills
- excellent organisational and planning skills
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- a good standard of IT and maths
- the ability to overcome problems
- the ability to manage a budget
- excellent communication skills
- a willingness to work flexibly and travel.
Relevant foreign language skills could be an advantage when working with overseas clients and suppliers.
What opportunities are there?
Demand for experienced production managers is forecast to continue. The majority of job opportunities would be in West Yorkshire and the north-west of England.
There may be further opportunities with companies that are diversifying into related areas, such as technical textiles, for example creating products for industry like carbon fibre.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
DrapersTextile Institute
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