Sean McCaffrey started his textile/colouration career in 1991 as a Laboratory technician in Courtaulds Jersey in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. During his time at Coutaulds he progressed through various roles such as Shift dyer, Dyehouse Projects and Shift Manager.

He then joined Ulster Weavers as Dyeing specialist in 2001. At Ulster Weavers he looked after all of the production related functions of the manufacturing facility. The range including woven linen, cotton and their blends dye via either vat dyeing or cold pad batch with and offering various finishing from flame retardants through to anti-crease and soil release finishes.

In 2008 he Joined Fruit of the Loom for a Project to commission their new Dyehouse in Skhirat Morocco. This project included assisting with design and Layout of Machinery piping etc, working to commission the machines and develop processes and recipes, sourcing dyes and chemicals. Most importantly training the technical staff, supervisors and Managers. In 2009 he accepted a full-time position as Technical Manager with Fruit of the Loom in Morocco

Working to further develop the technical team overseeing all of the technical developments and the expansion of capabilities. He has continued in this role mentoring the management team and assisting with New product development and continuous process improvement.

Since 2020 Sean has been in the position of Director of Textile Manufacturing Morocco, overseeing all of the operational functions of the textile plant from yarn intake through to the release of cut panels to the sewing facilities.

Sean has served as chairman of the NI region of the SDC from 2005 through to 2010. He also chaired the committee for setting up the initial Foundation course in colouration, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland textile training Council NITTC and Skillfast.

Sean served on the Society’s Board from 2014 until 2017 and returns as a member of the SDC Audit Committee from the 2024 AGM.