Manufacturing Operations Director

Coherent Corp.; Ipoh; On-site; MYR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Malaysia seeks an experienced Operations leader to oversee daily manufacturing, drive efficiency and cost controls across a high-volume environment, and govern asset usage. You will recruit and mentor managers, set performance goals, and collaborate with finance on forecasts and risk assessment.

The role requires 15+ years in manufacturing with 10+ years in high-mix settings and 5+ years in electronics, plus experience with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science is required. MBA/MSc/PhD are advantageous.
• Minimum 15 years of professional experience, incl. 10+ years in high-volume, high-mix manufacturing and 5+ years in electronics.
• Experience working with American multinational companies is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational metrics using data-driven insights for continuous improvement.
• Identify areas for process optimization, waste reduction, and productivity increases across departments.
• Lead and develop managers and staff, providing coaching and retention strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

MBA/MSc/PhD advantageous

Job description

Responsibilities

• Operational Management
  • Oversee the daily manufacturing operations of the organization, ensuring processes are efficient, cost-effective, and compliant with relevant policies and regulations.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor key operational metrics, using data-driven insights to drive continuous improvement.
  • Identify areas for process optimization, waste reduction, and increased productivity across all departments.
  • Ensure proper use and maintenance of company assets and resources.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Recruit, train, and mentor managers and staff, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation.
  • Provide coaching and professional development opportunities to build a high-performing operations team.
  • Set performance goals, conduct regular evaluations, and implement strategies for staff retention and engagement.
• Financial Oversight
  • Manage operational budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and financial targets are met.
  • Monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and implement cost-control measures as needed.
  • Collaborate with the finance department to develop forecasts, financial reports, and risk assessments.
• Process Improvement and Quality Assurance
  • Champion process improvement initiatives to drive efficiency, scalability, and service excellence.
  • Design and implement quality control systems, ensuring all operations meet internal and external standards.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to address operational challenges and implement best practices.
• Technology and Systems Management
  • Oversee the selection, implementation, and maintenance of operational technology solutions.
  • Evaluate opportunities to leverage technology for process automation, data analysis, and decision support.
  • Work with IT and other departments to ensure seamless integration of systems across the organization.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science. Postgraduate degrees such as an MBA, MSc, or PhD are considered advantageous.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience, including at least 10 years in a high-volume, high-mix multinational manufacturing environment, and at least 5 years of experience in the electronics industry.
• Prior experience working with American multinational companies is a mandatory requirement.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex operational functions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; with a workforce of no less than 3,000 employees, and annual spending authority of USD 1 million or more.
• Strong understanding of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and quality management systems.
• Well-versed in manufacturing methodologies, especially Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Poka Yoke systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a results-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible and mobile, with a willingness to travel within any of the company’s divisions with reasonable notice.

Working Conditions

• This role is onsite

Culture Commitment

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About The Team

Coherent Malaysia (formerly known as II-VI Incorporated) began operations in 2001 through the incorporation of Finisar Malaysia with 300 headcounts, now employs over 3000 employees. Ipoh’s assembly and test site for optical components, transceivers, and wavelength management equipment, remains committed to the expansion of Coherent Corporation, accelerated by the growth of next generation products to meet the increasing demands for network bandwidth and data storage.

Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!