Senior Group Manager, Front-End Manufacturing Operations (SMT/FOL)

Copeland; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Emerson in Malaysia (Penang/Bayan Lepas) seeks a Senior Group Manager for Front-End Manufacturing Operations (SMT/FOL). You will lead safety, quality, and throughput across electronics manufacturing, driving lean initiatives and digital transformation.

This role partners with global teams to meet schedules and optimize performance. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, proven leadership in high-tech operations, and the ability to manage complex SMT/Front-of-Line processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience leading manufacturing operations in electronics/high-tech environments.
• Experience managing SMT or Front-of-Line manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational excellence principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar initiatives.
• Knowledge of quality systems, process controls, and industry standards.
• Experience leading teams through transformations.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data and drive actions that impact business results.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in global/matrixed organizations.
• Proficiency with ERP and digital manufacturing tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety culture and proactive risk management across operations.
• Drive compliance with EH&S requirements including ESD, chemical handling, machine safety, LOTO.
• Deliver quality performance through process controls and root cause analysis.
• Ensure robust processes supporting FPY, defect reduction, and traceability.
• Meet production schedules, on-time delivery, and cycle-time objectives.
• Develop contingency and recovery plans for disruptions.
• Improve productivity via OEE, waste reduction, and process optimization.
• Identify and evaluate capital investments to enhance capability and scalability.
• Coach and develop leaders and manufacturing teams for engagement and succession.
• Collaborate with global teams on workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Lead MES adoption, automation, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Champion Lean, TPM, Kaizen, and continuous improvement.
• Align manufacturing strategies with business objectives and customer needs.
• Use data insights to drive informed decisions and performance improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Change management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/related field

Tools

MES

ERP platforms

Digital manufacturing tools

Power BI (preferred)

Job description

Senior Group Manager, Front-End Manufacturing Operations (SMT/FOL)

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

• Lead and promote a strong safety culture focused on proactive risk identification, prevention, and continuous improvement.
• Drive compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements, including electrostatic discharge (ESD), chemical handling, machine safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and workplace organization standards.
• Deliver quality performance objectives through effective process controls, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and adherence to industry and quality management standards.
• Ensure robust manufacturing processes that support First Pass Yield (FPY), defect reduction, product traceability, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead operational performance to achieve production schedules, on-time delivery commitments, cycle time objectives, and build-ahead requirements.
• Develop contingency and recovery plans to minimize the impact of equipment, system, or manufacturing disruptions.
• Drive productivity improvements through Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), waste reduction, process optimization, and cost management initiatives.
• Identify, evaluate, and support capital investment opportunities that enhance operational capability, efficiency, and scalability.
• Build, coach, and develop leaders and manufacturing teams to strengthen organizational capability, engagement, and succession readiness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize workforce planning, skill development, and resource allocation.
• Lead the successful adoption and deployment of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), automation technologies, and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives to support operational excellence and sustainable growth.
• Collaborate with global and regional stakeholders to align manufacturing strategies with business objectives and customer needs.
• Utilize data and operational insights to drive informed decision-making and performance improvements.

Who You Are:

You create a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. You make sound decisions, even in uncertain situations, by balancing analysis, experience, and judgment. You build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives, fostering trust and productive relationships across teams and functions. You develop and deliver multi-mode communications that clearly convey information, ideas, and expectations while inspiring action and alignment. You consistently drive execution, maintain focus during challenges, and adapt effectively to changing business priorities.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Significant experience leading manufacturing operations within electronics or high-technology manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing SMT, Front-of-Line manufacturing, or related production operations.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational excellence principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar operational improvement approaches.
• Knowledge of quality systems, process controls, and industry manufacturing standards.
• Experience leading teams through operational, organizational, or technology transformation initiatives.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify trends, and implement actions that drive measurable business results.
• Strong leadership, coaching, stakeholder management, and change management capabilities.
• Experience working effectively within global and matrixed organizations.
• Proficiency with manufacturing systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and digital manufacturing tools.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

• Advanced degree such as a Master's degree or MBA.
• Experience supporting high-mix, high-complexity manufacturing operations.
• Deep technical knowledge of SMT processes, microelectronics manufacturing, soldering technologies, and electronics assembly.
• Certifications or advanced training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or related operational excellence disciplines.
• Experience implementing or leading Manufacturing Execution System (MES) deployments and digital transformation programs.
• Knowledge of data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI.
• Experience with automation technologies, smart factory initiatives, and Industry 4.0 applications.
• Proven record of delivering measurable improvements in OEE, productivity, quality, cost reduction, and operational performance.

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.

At Emerson, innovation, integrity, collaboration, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We welcome individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference. We recognize that skills and potential can be developed through a variety of career paths and encourage candidates who meet many, though not necessarily all, of the qualifications to apply. By joining Emerson, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work, collaborate with talented colleagues around the world, and help shape the future of manufacturing excellence.