Project Manager – Transformation (Malaysia)

TR, part of the Trifast plc group; Selangor; On-site; MYR 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Malaysia is seeking an experienced professional to drive strategic programs focused on operational efficiency and digital transformation. Responsibilities include managing consolidation of production, applying Lean and Six Sigma principles, and overseeing technology implementations. The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Engineering or a related field, and possess significant experience in multi-site manufacturing operations. Competitive compensation and opportunities for growth are provided.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Growth opportunities

Health benefits

Qualifications

• 12–18+ years in manufacturing, operations, or industrial transformation roles.
• Proven experience leading multi-site, multi-country manufacturing or supply chain programs.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and inventory optimization.
• Experience managing technology implementations in manufacturing or supply chain environments.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a portfolio of strategic programs for operational efficiency.
• Lead the consolidation of production across multiple countries.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles for process optimization.
• Oversee technology implementation for manufacturing automation.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and corporate policies.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain

PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

Tools

ERP systems

MES systems

WMS systems

Job description

The ideal candidate serves as the central orchestration point for high-impact, cross-functional initiatives—driving cost efficiency, working capital improvement, scalability, and operational resilience across the region.

A. Program & Portfolio Leadership

Own and manage a portfolio of strategic programs, including:

• Manufacturing footprint consolidation and production transfer
• New facility construction and expansion
• Technology and digital manufacturing implementations
• Inventory optimization and working capital improvement initiatives
• Additional transformation projects prioritized by the company
• Establish program governance, prioritization, dependencies, and resource allocation across all initiatives.
• Define success metrics, KPIs, benefits realization tracking, and executive reporting.

B. Manufacturing Footprint Consolidation & Production Transfer

• Lead the end-to-end consolidation of production from multiple countries into a single Asian manufacturing location.
• Coordinate capacity planning, production line migration, supplier transitions, and workforce readiness.
• Ensure business continuity, customer service protection, and risk mitigation throughout transfers.

C. Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma & Operational Excellence

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles across all programs—not limited to construction.
• Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to optimize material, information, and production flow across plants and distribution points.
• Drive inventory optimization initiatives by addressing root causes such as batch sizing, flow constraints, forecasting accuracy, and lead-time variability.
• Ensure consistent application of 6S standards and visual management from facility design through steady-state operations.
• Embed PQPR (Process Quality Performance Review), standard work, and structured problem-solving into project execution and ramp-up phases.

D. Technology & Digital Transformation Projects

Lead or coordinate technology implementation programs, including:

• ERP, MES, WMS, and supply chain systems
• Manufacturing automation and digitalization initiatives
• Data, analytics, and reporting platforms supporting operations and inventory visibility
• Ensure technology solutions align with Lean principles and support simplified, standardized processes (not automation of waste).
• Manage system integration, data migration, user adoption, training, and post-go-live stabilization.

E. Cross-Functional & Regional Coordination

• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, EHS, IT, finance, and HR.
• Coordinate internal teams and external partners including EPC firms, system integrators, automation vendors, and consultants.
• Act as a key interface between regional leadership and global functional teams.

F. Construction, Automation & Industry 4.0 Integration

• Oversee construction execution, contractor performance, and safety compliance.
• Lead deployment of automated production equipment, inspection systems, and material handling solutions.
• Ensure factory layout and systems support flow, scalability, digital connectivity, and Industry 4.0 readiness.

G. Commissioning, Validation & Operational Ramp-Up

• Lead FAT/SAT, equipment and process validation, trial runs, and production ramp-up.
• Ensure quality, yield, throughput, and inventory targets are met.
• Drive structured root cause analysis and corrective actions during early production.

H. Cost, Inventory, Risk & Compliance Management

• Own capex and opex tracking across all programs.
• Drive inventory reduction, working capital improvement, and cost savings tied to program outcomes.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to construction, production transfers, technology adoption, supply chain stability, and change management.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, EHS standards, and corporate policies.

I. Executive Reporting & Benefits Realization

• Provide clear, data-driven updates to senior leadership and steering committees.
• Track financial and operational benefits realization (cost, inventory, service, quality).
• Prepare investment cases, milestone approvals, and post-implementation reviews.

J. Stakeholder & Governance Management

• Own end-to-end stakeholder management for all programs within scope, acting as the single point of accountability across internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead engagement, alignment, and decision-making with senior leadership, including:

• Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
• Senior Leadership Team (SLT)

• Manage external stakeholder relationships, including but not limited to:
• Government and regulatory bodies (local, regional, and national authorities)
• Suppliers and strategic manufacturing partners

• Proactively engage and coordinate with additional key stakeholders, including:
• Customers and key accounts (where production transfers or service levels are impacted)
• Logistics and distribution partners
• Technology vendors and system integrators
• Construction, EPC, and engineering firms
• Industry associations, standards bodies, and certification agencies

• Establish structured governance forums, escalation paths, and decision frameworks to ensure timely alignment and approvals.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, risks, and communications across complex, multi-country initiatives.
• Represent the company in formal reviews, audits, negotiations, and regulatory engagements related to manufacturing, technology, and supply chain transformation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related fields.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt strongly preferred.

Experience

• 12–18+ years in manufacturing, operations, or industrial transformation roles.
• Proven experience leading multi-site, multi-country manufacturing or supply chain programs.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, VSM, PQPR, 6S, and inventory optimization.
• Experience managing technology implementations (ERP/MES/WMS) in manufacturing or supply chain environments.
• Prior exposure to Asia-based manufacturing operations and cross-cultural leadership is highly desirable.

Key Competencies

• Enterprise program & portfolio leadership
• Lean systems thinking and end-to-end value stream ownership
• Strong financial acumen (capex, opex, working capital)
• Executive communication and stakeholder influence
• Change leadership across diverse cultures and functions