HEAD KNITTING R&D

Our client, a prominent textile organization based in Lahore, is seeking an experienced professional to lead their Knitting R&D function. The Head of Knitting R&D will be responsible for driving innovation in knit fabric development and processes while managing a large, complex plant and workforce. Reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, this role demands a hands-on and independent leader who can navigate the current transformation phase effectively. The successful candidate will work closely with multiple departments to convert R&D capabilities into tangible commercial and operational outcomes, taking full operational and P&L ownership.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the Knitting R&D strategy by developing and commercializing new knit fabric constructions, structures, and processes that align with customer and market demands.
- Manage the innovation pipeline to ensure timely delivery and successful adoption of new developments into production.
- Oversee day-to-day plant operations with full accountability for output, quality, efficiency, and cost, focusing on improving efficiency, reducing downtime, minimizing wastage, and lowering defect rates.
- Take ownership or significantly influence the Knitting R&D P&L, managing cost control, resource utilization, and investment decisions within budget, aiming for continuous year-on-year improvements.
- Independently lead assigned transformation projects from initial scoping through execution, ensuring milestones are met on schedule and sustainable changes are embedded into operational practices.
- Collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to translate R&D requirements into production-ready solutions with minimal rework or delays.
- Maintain a hands-on presence on the plant floor throughout the transformation phase, driving change confidently amid ambiguity and shifting priorities.
- Lead, coach, and develop a sizeable workforce, enhancing technical and leadership capabilities, preparing succession plans, and fostering strong team engagement.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Textile, Business, or a related field is required.
- A Master’s degree or MBA is considered an advantage.
- Over 12 years of relevant experience, including leadership of a large, complex manufacturing plant and workforce.
- Demonstrated ownership of or exposure to P&L responsibilities.
- Candidates from both textile and non-textile manufacturing backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Strong expertise in managing large-scale plant operations, including production, quality, efficiency, and cost control.
- Solid commercial acumen with a clear understanding of cost drivers, margins, and the commercial impact of operational decisions.
- Proven ability to lead technical and process innovation, translating market and customer needs into scalable production solutions; deep textile technical knowledge is a plus.
- A successful track record of improving operational performance and independently leading transformation initiatives.
- Strong leadership presence and professional maturity, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership effectively.
- A hands-on, ownership-driven mindset with resilience to lead through change and ambiguity.

This role offers a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in transforming a key function within a leading textile organization, combining strategic leadership with operational excellence.