OPERATION MANAGER

SmartHire by SEEK; Ulu Tiram; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a multi-functional manufacturing operation in Malaysia. You will own production, quality, supply chain, and continuous improvement, and drive performance and growth.

The role demands a decisive leader with strong people development skills, a data-driven mindset, and a track record of reducing waste and improving efficiency across a large-scale site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management.
• 8–15 years of progressive manufacturing operations experience.
• Proven cross-functional leadership across large teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Experience with ERP, Lean, and modern manufacturing tech.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute comprehensive operations strategies across manufacturing, logistics, and resources.
• Oversee daily factory operations ensuring on-time delivery and KPI targets.
• Lead capacity planning, factory layout optimisation, and capital projects.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration between Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Sales.
• Drive quality and regulatory compliance (ISO, UL) and corrective actions.
• Lead Lean, 5S, continuous improvement, and identify automation opportunities.
• Manage procurement, inventory, and logistics to optimise cost.
• Oversee budget and monitor financial performance for cost reductions.
• Conduct audits and build data-driven dashboards.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication in English

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Lean manufacturing

Automation tech

Job description

Our client is seeking an Operations Manager to join their team!

This is a rare and senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished manufacturing professional ready to take full command of a complex, multi-functional operation. Overseeing everything from production and quality to supply chain, engineering, and continuous improvement, this role sits at the very core of the organisation's performance and growth strategy. If you are a decisive, forward-thinking leader with a passion for operational excellence, a talent for developing people, and the drive to champion innovation and efficiency across a large-scale manufacturing environment, this is the opportunity to make your most significant impact yet.

What you'll be doing?

• Setting and executing operational strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive operations strategies that translate business goals into actionable plans across manufacturing, logistics, and resource management to achieve production, quality, and delivery targets.
• Leading manufacturing operations: Oversee daily factory operations to ensure on-time delivery and full adherence to specifications, while monitoring key production KPIs — including output, yield, downtime, and efficiency — and driving timely corrective actions.
• Managing capacity and capital projects: Lead capacity planning, factory layout optimisation, and capital investment projects to position the business for sustained growth and operational resilience.
• Ensuring cross-functional collaboration: Foster seamless coordination between Production and Engineering to support new product introductions (NPI), and work closely with Supply Chain and Sales to optimise company performance and minimise lead times.
• Driving quality and compliance: Ensure all operations comply with ISO, UL, and other relevant regulatory standards, while leading root cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions to uphold product reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Championing continuous improvement: Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and other improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and identify automation and digitalisation opportunities that elevate operational efficiency.
• Managing procurement and inventory: Oversee procurement, inventory control, and logistics to ensure smooth material flow and cost-effective supply chain management across the business.
• Overseeing financial performance: Develop and manage the operational budget covering labour, materials, and overheads, and monitor factory financial performance to implement cost reduction measures without compromising on quality.
• Conducting audits: Perform periodic audits across departments to ensure standards, processes, and compliance requirements are consistently upheld.
• Building data-driven culture: Drive data-driven decision-making across the organisation and implement KPI dashboards that provide clear visibility into operational performance at all levels.
• Developing people and future leaders: Lead, coach, and develop cross-functional department managers, identify the next generation of organisational leaders, and promote a culture of accountability, safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement throughout the business.

Who are they looking for?

• Educational background: A Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline provides the academic foundation required for this senior leadership role.
• Extensive manufacturing experience: Between 8 and 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations is required, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in electronics manufacturing environments.
• Proven cross-functional leadership: A demonstrated track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams and large-scale production environments, with the ability to align diverse teams around shared operational goals.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability: Excellent analytical skills and a structured approach to problem-solving, supported by strong foresight and sound management judgement that enables confident decision-making in complex situations.
• Technical and systems knowledge: Hands-on experience with ERP systems, Lean methodologies, and modern manufacturing technologies is essential for driving the operational and digital transformation agenda.
• Communication and stakeholder management: Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels — from the factory floor to senior management and external partners.

We welcome applications from all individuals who are passionate about manufacturing excellence, people development, and building operations that truly perform — your leadership, vision, and commitment to continuous improvement are what set you apart.

All information received will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for employment-related purposes.