Job Title: Operations Manager
Location: Hawick
Reports To: Production Director
Role Overview
Due to our expansion we are seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of knitwear production. This individual will be responsible for managing production schedules, quality standards, budgets, and team performance, ensuring the department meets company goals in efficiency, output, and cost-effectiveness.
This is a permanent, full-time position, working 38 hours per week. Salary is starting from £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the manufacturing function to achieve production, financial, and organizational objectives.
* Plan, execute, and monitor production schedules to ensure on-time delivery and high-quality output.
* Drive departmental performance in line with company KPIs (quality, cost, delivery, and efficiency).
* Manage employee budgets, staffing levels, and workforce allocation to optimize productivity.
* Monitor and control manufacturing costs while maintaining product quality and consistency.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
* Provide strong leadership, coaching, and development opportunities to build a high-performing team.
* Collaborate with cross-functional departments (e.g., Design, Procurement, Finance, Sales) to align manufacturing operations with business needs.
Key Requirements
* Proven experience in a senior management role within knitwear manufacturing (or apparel/textiles manufacturing).
* Strong track record in achieving production, quality, and financial targets.
* Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
* In-depth knowledge of knitwear production processes, equipment, and quality control standards.
* Ability to manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
* Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven.
Preferred Qualifications
* Proven experience in Manufacturing, Textiles, or related discipline
About Us
Founded in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is an innovative, luxury clothing brand celebrating 225 years of experience in working with the world’s finest fibres. Across three centuries, our family-owned company has carefully sources cashmere and fine woollen fibres from around the world, applying the latest technology and highest quality craft expertise in our very own vertical Scottish mills. Employing over 1,000 staff, our valued employees and communities are at the heart of everything we do, producing unique, high-quality designs that are made to last. Our brand is focused on sustainability, working with natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibres and we are committed to maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.
Johnstons of Elgin is proud to be an equal opportunity employer wholeheartedly supporting the principles of equality and diversity to build an inclusive workforce. Our aim is to embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do to create an environment where our employees feel safe to be their whole authentic self without having to downplay or change parts of their identity. We celebrate diversity in all its forms, which goes beyond those characteristics protected by law to include everything that makes us unique, from our backgrounds and experiences to our personalities and ways of thinking.
We endeavour to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and encourage any candidate who requires assistance to contact us at hr@johnstonsofelgin.com.
Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single requirement or qualification. At Johnstons of Elgin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but think your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Please note all applicants must be able to provide evidence of their right to remain and take up paid employment in country job is based.
Closing date – Friday, 31 October 2025