General Manager

PORTWEST
, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of
General Manager
in our apparel factories, initially training in our Eastport location and rotating between Bangladesh, Myanmar and Tanzania based on company needs. The successful candidate will be hired on a
contract of 1 year,
with the opportunity of extension/ permanency after 1 year of employment, reporting to the Group Garment Production Manager
.
Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We're on a mission to become the world's most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

Job Summary
The General Manager (GM) will have overall responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the apparel manufacturing facility. This includes ensuring efficiency, productivity, profitability, and compliance while leading a strong management team. The GM will drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure the factory operates to international standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• . Strategic Leadership
• Define and implement the factory's long-term strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Plan for future expansion, technology upgrades, and workforce development.
• Ensure the factory maintains competitiveness in cost, quality, and delivery.
• Operations Management
• Oversee the full manufacturing process: Cutting, Sewing, Finishing, Packing, and Dispatch.
• Ensure production meets required output, efficiency, and delivery deadlines.
• Drive lean manufacturing practices, productivity improvements, and cost reductions.
• Financial & Business Performance
• Develop and monitor annual budgets, production costs, and profitability targets.
• Control overheads and optimize resource utilization.
• Provide accurate monthly and quarterly business performance reports to management/board.
• Quality & Compliance
• Ensure all products meet international quality standards and buyer requirements.
• Maintain compliance with social, ethical, environmental, and health & safety standards.
• Prepare for and manage buyer audits, certifications, and factory accreditations (LEED, ISO, WRAP, etc.).
• People Leadership & Development
• Lead, coach, and manage all departmental heads (Production, IE, Cutting, QA, HR, Maintenance, etc.).
• Drive training programs for operators, supervisors, and middle management.
• Build a high-performance culture with accountability and teamwork.
• Stakeholder Management
• Work closely with corporate office, merchandising, and planning teams to align orders with capacity.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the factory and the corporate head office.
• Projects & Expansion
• Lead factory renovation, expansion, or new line setup projects.
• Evaluate and introduce automation, digital systems, and new technologies.
• Ensure proper infrastructure and systems are in place for scaling operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Textile/Clothing Technology, or related field
• 12–15+ years of experience in garment manufacturing, with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of production management, industrial engineering, cost control, and lean manufacturing.
• Experience working with international buyers, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and deliver results under pressure.
• Fluency in English

Company Awards

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2024
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

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.