PRODUCTION MANAGER (KUANTANT)

JAC Recruitment; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A chemical manufacturing company is seeking a Production Manager to lead the setup and operation of a new catalyst recycling plant. This hands-on role requires a strong mechanical and chemical background, with a minimum of 8 years of experience in plant operations. The successful candidate will oversee production activities, ensure safety compliance, and manage staff training, with a mandatory 6-month training in Japan. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a startup environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in chemical or manufacturing plant operations.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering or process engineering.
• Proven leadership in hands-on production environments.
• Ability to work in a startup setting with evolving systems.
• Willingness to undergo 6-month training in Japan.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Lead commissioning and startup of plant equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with Japanese engineering teams during training.
• Develop SOPs, production workflows, and maintenance schedules.
• Manage and train local production staff.
• Monitor KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with EPC contractor during construction.

Skills

Chemical plant operations

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

Process engineering

Job description

Location: Kuantan, Pahang (currently based in Sojitz’s office)

Industry: Chemical Recycling / Rare Metals Recovery

Start Date: Target onboarding by January 2026

Training: 6-month training in Japan (Ako Factory) before plant commissioning

Role Summary:

The Production Manager will lead the setup and operation of a new catalyst recycling plant, overseeing production activities, equipment commissioning, and team development. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong mechanical and chemical plant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards
• Lead commissioning and startup of plant equipment and systems
• Collaborate with Japanese engineering and technical teams during training and setup
• Develop SOPs, production workflows, and maintenance schedules
• Manage and train local production staff
• Monitor KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Coordinate with EPC contractor (Toyo Engineering) during construction and handover

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in chemical or manufacturing plant operations
• Strong background in mechanical engineering or process engineering
• Proven leadership in hands‑on production environments
• Ability to work in a startup setting with evolving systems
• Willingness to undergo 6-month training in Japan