Manager, Factory Operations

SD Guthrie International; Malaysia; Hybrid; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

SD Guthrie International (SDGI) seeks a seasoned Production & Maintenance Manager to plan, coordinate and oversee daily production across fractionation, semi-continuous, continuous and packing lines, ensuring targets, quality and on-time delivery.

You will lead maintenance, QA/QC and engineering functions, drive OEE improvements, manage budgeting, cost-saving, and compliance with JKKP and ISO standards, while coordinating with multiple departments and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Min 8–10 years in refinery/edible oil/food processing with 3–5 years in a managerial role overseeing both production and maintenance.
• Experience leading production and maintenance functions and coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and oversee daily production across fractionation, semi-continuous, continuous and packing lines.
• Lead maintenance, PM, PdM and reliability programs for critical equipment and utilities.
• Monitor KPIs (OEE, throughput, waste, downtime) and report to senior management.
• Coordinate with QA/QC, Supply Chain, HR and Engineering to ensure smooth plant operations.
• Oversee audits, regulatory inspections and cost-saving/energy-efficiency initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Budgeting

Root-cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

SCADA

Job description

Job Description

Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily production activities across fractionation, semi-continuous, continuous, and packing lines to meet production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules. Monitor yield, oil quality parameters, and process efficiency; drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce losses and downtime. Ensure production planning aligns with sales/demand forecasts, raw material availability, and packing line capacity. Review and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each production stage. Manage manpower planning, shift scheduling, and performance of production executives and operators. Analyze production KPIs (OEE, throughput, waste/loss ratio, downtime) and report to senior management. Oversee the Maintenance & Engineering function, including boiler operations, utilities, power supply/electrical systems, and overall plant/equipment maintenance. Ensure preventive maintenance (PM), predictive maintenance (PdM), and corrective maintenance programs are implemented and tracked for all critical equipment, including boilers and utility systems. Ensure all pressure vessels and boilers are strictly in compliance with JKKP (Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan / Department of Occupational Safety and Health) statutory requirements. Constantly find ways to improve efficiency across all processing plants. Minimize unplanned downtime through effective maintenance planning and root-cause analysis of equipment failures. Ensure cost-effective operation of all plants, with monthly costs maintained within the approved budget. Develop and manage the annual operating budget for Production and Maintenance, including capital expenditure planning. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, including steam/energy efficiency and process-loss reduction. Ensure all processing plants and buildings are always kept clean and tidy, in line with good housekeeping (5S) and good manufacturing practice (GMP). Coordinate with QA/QC, Supply Chain, HR, and Engineering departments to ensure smooth plant operations. Coordinate with external parties, including suppliers, toll packers, and customers, to ensure the best business deals for the company. Represent the refinery/plant during external audits, regulatory inspections, and certification assessments. Carry out any other tasks assigned by the superior from time to time. To comply with various management systems at the BU e.g. ISO 45001, ISO 14001, FSSC 22000 HACCP, RSPO, MSPO SCCS & other management systems requirement. Health, Safety & Environment Quality, Food Safety, Health, Safety & Environment To comply with and disseminate the company's Quality, Food Safety, and Health, Safety & Environment practices which will be updated from time to time and be guided by the Occupational Safety & Health Act 1994, Environmental Quality Act 1974, Food Act 1983, Food Hygiene Regulation 2009 and other applicable statutory & regulatory requirements.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Minimum 8-10 years of experience in a refinery, edible oil, or food processing manufacturing environment, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial role overseeing both production and maintenance functions.

About SDGI

SD Guthrie International (SDGI) produces edible oils, palm oil-based biodiesel, nutraceuticals and other palm oil derivatives for the global market. Driven by a philosophy of “Realising possibilities, together”, SDGI collaborates closely with customers to develop bespoke solutions, including superior refined oils and fats that are tailor-made to their needs. SDGI owns and manages 11 refineries with a total capacity of 4 million metric ton (MT) per year and a total bulking installation capacity of 284,900 MT; four kernel crushing plants with a total annual capacity of 465,000 MT; one biodiesel plant with a production capacity of 120,000 MT per annum; one soya crushing plant with a production capacity of 132,000 MT per annum; as well as two copra mills in Papua New Guinea with a combined production capacity of 42,000 MT. At SDGI, we are committed to partnerships focused on your success, exploring every possibility to deliver the right solutions and identify new opportunities. We are dedicated to a future where we achieve the best results together. With a global footprint and extensive network, SDGI offers a rewarding and fulfilling career path for dynamic and vibrant young talents. Join us on an exciting journey to create quality products and ensure sustainable living for consumers.