General Manager, Myport

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of General Manager  of our factory in Myanmar  on a permanent basis, reporting to Production Manager, Asia. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 6,000 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 will have overall responsibility for the leadership, performance, and continuous development of Portwest's garment manufacturing facility in Myanmar, employing approximately 1,100 employees and scaling to more than 1,600 employees during peak production periods. Reporting to the Production Manager for Asia, the role is accountable for ensuring the factory consistently achieves operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost control, people development, and compliance while supporting the Company's strategic manufacturing objectives.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all factory operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost objectives.  

• Manage and develop a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees, increasing to 1,600 employees during peak production periods.  

•  Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, or similar operational excellence methodologies.  

• Identify and implement initiatives that improve productivity, efficiency, quality, capacity utilisation and operational performance.  

• Develop and execute operational plans aligned with business objectives and customer requirements.  

• Own factory performance against budget, ensuring effective cost control and resource utilisation.  

• Lead workforce planning and capacity management to support seasonal demand fluctuations and future business growth.  

• Lead, coach and develop the factory leadership team while building organisational capability and succession plans.  

REQUIREMENTS:

• Diploma or Degree in Operational Management, Manufacturing Management, Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.  

• 5-10 years' experience in a General Manager, Factory Manager, Manufacturing Director, or similar leadership role within a garment manufacturing environment.  

• Proven experience leading large-scale garment manufacturing operations and managing workforces of 1,000+ employees.  

• Demonstrated track record of improving operational efficiency, productivity, quality and factory performance.  

• Strong Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Operational Excellence, or equivalent continuous improvement expertise with measurable results.  

• Strong understanding of garment manufacturing operations including production planning, industrial engineering, quality management, workforce planning, compliance and supply chain coordination.  

• Experience managing factory budgets, cost control initiatives and operational performance metrics.  

• Experience operating within internationally recognised social compliance, ethical manufacturing and workplace standards.  

• Excellent people leadership skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams and successfully drive company culture and values.  

• Strong communication, stakeholder management, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.  

• Experience working with regional and global stakeholders within a multinational manufacturing environment.  

• Strong commercial and analytical acumen.  

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.  

• Ability to live and work in Myanmar without visa sponsorship.  

• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence. 

COMPANY  AWARDS

• Great Place To Work 2024 
• Private Irish Business of the year - Export IndustryAwards 2025
• 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.