Textiles production manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• textiles production
• production or manufacturing engineering
• fashion and textile management
• fashion and clothing technology

A degree which includes a year in industry will help you to gain practical experience alongside your qualification. This may give you an advantage when applying for jobs after graduating.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can do a textile technical specialist higher apprenticeship, or manufacturing manager degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You can work as a textile technologist or textile designer and move into management, first as an assistant manager, then as a production manager.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• business management skills
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• maths knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Textiles production managers look after all stages of textiles manufacturing.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• work with design and sales teams, buyers and quality control departments
• visit factories to monitor production
• manage orders from retail and wholesale customers
• attend conferences and exhibitions to build contacts
• deal with suppliers in the UK and overseas
• set and check quality standards, prices and delivery times
• help to create and promote the brand

Location : You could work in a factory or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £68,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm on shifts

Career Path:

You could move into senior supply chain jobs, business development or marketing.

You could also find work with companies that specialise in technical textiles, like carbon fibre and aerospace materials.