Production Manager

Kaifa Technology; Kulai; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Johor, Malaysia is seeking a Production Manager to oversee SMT production operations. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years' experience in SMT manufacturing and at least 3 years in a leadership role. Responsibilities include developing production schedules, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this fast-paced environment, along with a solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of working experience in SMT manufacturing.
• At least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record in high-mix, high-volume SMT production.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 standards.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor SMT production schedules.
• Oversee line operations and ensure adherence to SOPs.
• Drive defect reduction initiatives.
• Manage production costs and resource usage.
• Lead and motivate production teams.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Multitasking

Data Analysis

Job description

Production Planning & Execution Develop, implement, and monitor daily, weekly, and monthly SMT production schedules to meet customer delivery timelines. Coordinate production activities with planning, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth operations. Optimize line balancing, machine setup, and manpower allocation for maximum throughput.

Operational Management Oversee SMT line operations including stencil printing, pick-and-place, reflow soldering, AOI/AXI inspection, and functional testing. Ensure all production activities follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as yield rate and line efficiency.

Quality Assurance & Process Control Ensure all products meet IPC standards and customer quality requirements. Drive defect reduction initiatives through root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions. Collaborate with quality and process engineering teams to continuously improve first-pass yield (FPY).

Cost & Resource Management Manage production costs by controlling material wastage, rework, and machine downtime. Ensure optimal usage of consumables such as solder paste.

Team Leadership & Development Lead, motivate, and train production supervisors and operators. Conduct regular team meetings to align goals, share performance updates, and resolve operational issues. Identify skill gaps and arrange necessary technical training for continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen practices to improve workflow efficiency. Work with engineering teams to evaluate new technologies and improve SMT process capability. Lead projects to improve production throughput, reduce changeover time, and enhance equipment performance.

Health, Safety & Compliance Enforce compliance with ESD control procedures, workplace safety, and environmental regulations. Conduct safety audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly. Promote a clean and organized work environment to prevent accidents and defects.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of working experience in SMT manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Proven track record in managing high-mix, high-volume SMT production environments.
• Familiarity with IPC-A-610 standards and ESD control practices.
• Ability to analyze production data (yield, cycle time, downtime) and implement improvements.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma principles.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for cross-department coordination.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced production environment.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949 quality management systems is an advantage.