Technical Apparel Production Expert 6 month consultancy contract Based in Ghana (West Africa)

Posted on 05/01/2021

Company description

The Ghana Apparel Training Association (GATA) is the non profit, capacity building arm of Sourcing Company Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA). GATA is a non-profit organization with a mission to create and sustain vocational training and workforce empowerment programs in order to build the capacity of workers in garment factories in Africa.

GATA is working to unlock the tremendous potential of the West Africa apparel industry, supporting African-owned factories to grow exports to the US, UK, and Europe. GATA focuses on developing factories in a lean, sustainable, and ethical way that sets the standard for garment manufacturing in a West African context. We work closely with government and development agencies to develop an ecosystem for industrial growth.

The UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) is committed to supporting the growth of the Apparel Industry in Ghana through its Jobs and Economic Transformation Programme (JET). These roles are funded by the FCDO with the aim of fast tracking potential domestic apparel manufacturers to become the export factories of the future
Position overview

We have a great opportunity for 2 experienced Technical Experts with passion and desire to have a long lasting impact on the clothing manufacturing in West Africa to join us. The Technical Experts will be based in Ghana and located full time at a factory that is seeking to develop their industrial manufacturing skills and manufacture to international quality and efficiency standards in order to win export orders.

Key responsibilities

The Technical Experts will be responsible to develop and coach the local management teams of the two factories to reach international export standards for production and compliance.

They will have the following responsibilities:

• For each factory work with them on a continuous improvement technical action plan to sustainably reach international standards of excellence.
• Assist in creating and sustaining Standard operating procedures (SOP’s), quality manuals and training materials adopting a sustainable and participatory approach
• Train the factory on how to work with international clients including:

            - Working with tech packs
            - Working with tech packs
            - Completing costings using Standard minute values and cost per minute calculation methods to aid completing samples and costings on time
            - Completing risk assessments and machine analysis for new styles
            - Working with a completing daily performance reporting such as Production, quality and fabric usage reports
            - Recording and tracking inventory from goods received, through production to shipping.
            - Quality Control, Assurance and Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) from goods received, through production to shipping.
            - Production planning, critical path management and reporting through correct forecasting, line balancing and target monitoring
            - Delivering efficiency levels required through Lean manufacturing principles and incentive schemes

• Provide hands-on support during pilot implementation of technical improvement initiatives and systems development based on Lean principles.
• Work alongside the factory management team to identify skills gaps and training opportunities for both individuals and the factory as a whole.
• Develop dedicated skill areas within the factory by working in conjunction with other training programmes such as the GIZ Centre of Excellence for pattern, mechanics and quality training.

Qualifications, skills, and attributes required

• At least 10 years Garment technical and production experience working directly as a factory production manager or GM.
• Experience dealing with brands from US / Europe
• Experience in and passion for creating and delivering training programs to build factory skills and capacity from operators to managers.
• Experience in working with factories to take a product from concept to finished production
• Passion for solving problems and proactive risk mitigation
• Ability to think critically and identify areas of improvement
• Ability to work effectively across cultures, experience of working with factories in Africa a plus
• Evidence of the following characteristics: humble, inspiring, self aware, resilient, adaptable, proactive, persistent, resourceful, able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, strong at building relationships and resolving problems, poised, active listener, fun to work with, and full of integrity

How to apply

• Starting Date asap
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
• Please send a resume and a specific cover letter to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the reference in the subject line “TECH EXPERT 21”. Your cover letter should specify how you meet the qualifications, skills and experience requirements for this role and why you are interested in joining us.
• Only completed applications with accurate reference will be considered and only the most qualified candidates shortlisted for interview