Operation Manager

KMWE Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A precision cleaning facility in Malaysia is looking for an Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with stringent cleanliness standards. The ideal candidate will have 4 to 6 years of experience in a similar leadership position within the high-tech or semiconductor industry. Responsibilities include developing standardized procedures, leading the operational team, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic startup environment.

Benefits

Opportunity for career advancement

Competitive working environment

Qualifications

• 4 to 6 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Experience in high-tech or semiconductor industries.
• Hands-on leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
• Develop standardized work procedures and operational processes.
• Lead and expand the operational team to build a culture of improvement.

Skills

Leadership

LEAN methods

Process optimization

Cleanroom behavior

Contamination control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Technology

Job description

The Operations Manager is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and optimizing the daily operational activities of the precision cleaning facility. In a fast-growing startup environment, the Operations Manager ensures that production processes run safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the extremely high cleanliness and quality standards required in the high-tech and semiconductor industry.

This role combines hands‑on leadership with strategic development. The Operations Manager builds scalable processes, guides the operational team, and implements systems and structures that support the company’s rapid growth. The manager works closely with the Managing Director and Account manager, indirect process support is given from the head quarters in the Netherlands, which entails process engineering and quality to ensure reliable delivery performance and continuous improvement.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITY

• Oversee daily operations of the precision cleaning, inspection, and packaging departments.
• Ensure strict compliance with cleanliness requirements, process parameters, and quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001, customer‑specific specs).
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures, work instructions, and operational processes.
• Drive capacity planning, resource allocation, and scheduling to meet delivery deadlines.
• Lead, coach, and expand the operational team; build a culture focused on discipline, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Quality and Engineering to resolve process issues, implement improvements, and validate new processes.
• Monitor operational KPIs (yield, throughput, downtime, cost) and implement improvement initiatives.
• Support the installation, qualification, and maintenance of critical cleaning equipment (ultrasonic baths, precision washers, cleanrooms, DI‑water systems, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and cleanroom regulations.
• Contribute to strategic decisions regarding scaling, automation, facility layout, and customer requirements.

FUNCTION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Technology, Operations Management, or a similar technical field.
• Having 4 to 6 years of experience in a leadership role in the similar industry.
• Experience in an operational/production leadership role, preferably within high‑tech, semiconductor supply chain, surface treatment, precision cleaning, cleanroom production, or technical manufacturing.
• Proven experience in scale‑up environments or startups is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated experience implementing standardized processes, LEAN methods, or continuous improvement programs is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of cleanroom behavior, contamination control, and cleanliness specifications (e.g., particle limits, film contamination).
• Ability to create and improve work instructions, SOPs, and process flow documentation.
• Hands‑on leadership style; willing to be present on the work floor and lead by example.
• Proactive, solution‑driven, and comfortable building processes from scratch.
• Willing to travel to the Netherlands for training.

Unlock job insights

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

• What is your expected monthly basic salary?
• Which of the following types of qualifications do you have?
• How many years' experience do you have as an operations manager?
• Which of the following languages are you fluent in?
• Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of ISO 9001?
• How would you rate your English language skills?
• Do you have experience working within a lean agile team?
• Are you willing to travel for this role when required?

KMWE Malaysia Sdn.Bhd. is a contract manufacturer and precision parts supplier which offer total solutions in the engineering and assembly of high quality modules and complete machine systems for the Semiconductor, Medical, Aerospace and Science industry.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to further their career and work in a competitive manufacturing environment. If you are flexible, have a can do attitude and want to make a difference, we would like to hear from you.