Plant Manager - Textile Operations Director

Are you looking to lead an industrial project from the ground up and see the direct impact of your decisions in the launch of a new textile plant? In this role, you will take on the strategic challenge of building and commissioning a garment manufacturing facility from scratch (Greenfield) in Tunisia during a pivotal 9-month project. You will have the full autonomy to design the industrial layout, select your team, and establish production standards, while maintaining direct communication with headquarters, executive ownership, and international partners. If you are looking to take the step into an international project where your technical expertise and leadership steer a large-scale industrial operation, this Plant Director role is for you. What this project offers you (Benefits) • End-to-end leadership from Phase 0: Experience the technical and strategic depth of a Greenfield launch, defining machinery installation, line balancing, and production workflows from day one. • Tangible impact on a large-scale operation: Design the operational organizational structure and lead a high-volume workforce (between 300 and 1,000 employees), shaping the working culture and operating model. • International and multilingual environment: Manage daily plant operations in French on-site, while maintaining strategic alignment with corporate headquarters and global partners in Spanish or English. • Culture of excellence and continuous improvement: Deploy Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and VSM methodologies, defining key operational metrics (OEE, productivity, scrap rates) according to your own efficiency criteria. Your mission at the plant As Plant Director, your objective will be to plan, execute, and stabilize the setup of the new textile garment facility, turning a blank slate into a profitable, safe, and efficient industrial operation. Key Responsibilities: • Lead the Greenfield setup and launch (Phase 0): Plan and supervise machinery installation, plant layout design, and initial line balancing for cutting and sewing operations, coordinating equipment suppliers, installation technicians, and local contractors to meet project milestones. • Design operational workflows and methods: Implement work-study engineering, time measurement, line balancing, and workstation standardization, driving continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and VSM. • Track key performance indicators: Monitor OEE, productivity rates, fabric scrap reduction, and operational cost management. • Build and lead the workforce: Establish the factory org chart and take an active role in recruiting, selecting, and training middle management and direct labor, ensuring a positive workplace climate and strict compliance with local Tunisian labor, health, and safety regulations. What will help you succeed in this role • Technical background: Degree in Textile Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or an equivalent technical field, providing the analytical foundation needed to manage complex production processes. Complementary qualifications such as an MBA or Lean Six Sigma / PMP certifications are an asset to drive project delivery. • Garment manufacturing track record: At least 8 years of operational leadership or plant management experience within the textile and finished garment sector (apparel, knit, or woven), allowing you to address industrial setup challenges effectively. • High-volume workforce management: Proven experience running manufacturing plants with 300 to 1,000 employees, essential for shaping team dynamics and organizational culture from inception. • Language proficiency: Fluent or native French to manage the plant and lead local teams on the ground in Tunisia, along with professional proficiency in Spanish or English to maintain direct strategic alignment with corporate management. If you are driven to spearhead an industrial setup from the ground up and leverage your technical leadership in a premier international initiative, this Plant Director position will allow you to realize your full potential. Show more Show less Are you looking to lead an industrial project from the ground up and see the direct impact of your decisions in the launch of a new textile plant? In this role, you will take on the strategic challenge of building and commissioning a garment manufacturing facility from scratch (Greenfield) in Tunisia during a pivotal 9-month project. You will have the full autonomy to design the industrial layout, select your team, and establish production standards, while maintaining direct communication with headquarters, executive ownership, and international partners. If you are looking to take the step into an international project where your technical expertise and leadership steer a large-scale industrial operation, this Plant Director role is for you. What this project offers you (Benefits) • End-to-end leadership from Phase 0: Experience the technical and strategic depth of a Greenfield launch, defining machinery installation, line balancing, and production workflows from day one. • Tangible impact on a large-scale operation: Design the operational organizational structure and lead a high-volume workforce (between 300 and 1,000 employees), shaping the working culture and operating model. • International and multilingual environment: Manage daily plant operations in French on-site, while maintaining strategic alignment with corporate headquarters and global partners in Spanish or English. • Culture of excellence and continuous improvement: Deploy Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and VSM methodologies, defining key operational metrics (OEE, productivity, scrap rates) according to your own efficiency criteria. Your mission at the plant As Plant Director, your objective will be to plan, execute, and stabilize the setup of the new textile garment facility, turning a blank slate into a profitable, safe, and efficient industrial operation. Key Responsibilities: • Lead the Greenfield setup and launch (Phase