Manufacturing Operations Director

COHERENT; Ipoh; On-site; MYR 731,000 - 1,137,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. seeks a senior Operations leader to drive manufacturing excellence across a high-volume, multinational environment. You will mentor managers, optimize processes, and lead cost-control initiatives while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.

The role requires deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and DFM/FMEA/SMED/TPM/Poka Yoke, with extensive cross-functional leadership and travel flexibility. Onsite in a global manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science is required; MBA/MSc/PhD advantageous.
• 15+ years in professional roles with 10+ years in high-volume, high-mix multinational manufacturing; 5+ in electronics.
• Experience with American multinational companies is mandatory.
• Track record of managing complex operations for 3,000+ employees and USD 1M+ spend authority.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
• Develop, implement and monitor operational metrics using data-driven insights.
• Identify areas for process optimization, waste reduction and increased productivity.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of company assets and resources.
• Recruit, train, and mentor managers and staff to foster accountability and excellence.
• Manage operational budgets, costs, and financial targets; collaborate with finance on forecasts.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement best practices and improve quality systems.
• Oversee technology selection, implementation and maintenance of operational systems.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

MBA / MSc / PhD advantageous

Tools

DFM

FMEA

SMED

TPM

Poka Yoke

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 Managemen t

• 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

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

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 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!

Job Identification: 2014343

Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree

LinkedIn: #LI-RM1