KNITTING INNOVATION & OPERATIONS

We are partnering with a leading textile organization to recruit a senior professional for their Knitting Innovation & Operations department based in Lahore. The successful candidate will take charge of the knitting function, leading innovation in knit fabric development and overseeing the full operational and P&L responsibilities of a large, complex manufacturing plant and workforce. This role demands a hands-on leader who can independently drive transformation initiatives while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to convert innovation into tangible commercial and operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the knitting innovation 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 integration of new developments into production.
- Oversee day-to-day plant operations with full accountability for output, quality, efficiency, and cost; continuously work to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, minimize wastage, and lower defect rates.
- Own or significantly influence the knitting P&L, managing cost control, resource utilization, and investment decisions within budget, aiming for year-on-year improvements.
- Independently lead assigned transformation projects from scoping through execution, delivering milestones on schedule and embedding sustainable changes into operational practices.
- Collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to translate innovation requirements into production-ready solutions with minimal rework or delays.
- Maintain a hands-on presence on the plant floor during the transformation phase, driving change effectively through ambiguity and shifting priorities.
- Lead, coach, and develop a large workforce, building both technical and leadership capabilities, ensuring succession readiness, and fostering team engagement.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Textile, Business, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, including leadership of a large, complex manufacturing plant and workforce.
- Demonstrated ownership of, or significant exposure to, P&L responsibilities.
- Strong command of large-scale plant operations encompassing production, quality, efficiency, and cost management.
- Proven commercial acumen with a clear understanding of cost drivers, margins, and the commercial impact of operational decisions.
- Ability to lead technical and process innovation, translating market and customer needs into scalable production solutions.
- Track record of improving operational performance and independently leading transformation initiatives.
- Strong leadership presence and professional maturity with the ability to influence across functions and senior leadership.
- Hands-on, ownership-driven approach with resilience to lead through ambiguity and change.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
- A Master’s degree or MBA is considered an advantage.
- Candidates from both textile and non-textile manufacturing backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a critical function within a dynamic textile organization, driving innovation and operational excellence at a senior level.