Senior Operations Manager (Based in JB)

Private Advertiser; Johor; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Private Advertiser is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations in Johor. You will drive operational excellence, oversee quality, delivery, maintenance and supply chain, and collaborate with senior management to support growth.

The role requires strong leadership, Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen expertise with a track record of productivity and cost improvements in high‑mix environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering/operations field.
• MBA or Engineering Management is an advantage.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive manufacturing operations experience.
• 3–5 years in senior leadership or managerial role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, quality, maintenance and supply chain activity.
• Drive operational efficiency, capacity utilisation and on-time delivery across the site.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and improvement initiatives to enhance productivity.
• Monitor performance metrics and KPIs to ensure targets are achieved.
• Optimise manpower, materials, equipment and other resources.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leadership to resolve bottlenecks and improve site performance.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

5S

Project management

Budgeting

Cost control

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering/Operations Management

Master's Degree, MBA or Engineering Management qualification

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Operations Manager to lead and oversee manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, improving efficiency and productivity, ensuring quality and timely delivery, and supporting the overall business performance of the manufacturing site.

This is a senior leadership position with broad responsibility across manufacturing operations, quality, supply chain, maintenance, people management and continuous improvement. The role will work closely with senior management and cross-functional teams to drive business objectives and support the company’s growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management

Lead and oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, quality, maintenance, engineering and supply chain activities.

Drive operational efficiency, productivity, capacity utilisation and on-time delivery across the manufacturing site.

Develop and implement operational policies, procedures and improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and operational effectiveness.

Monitor production performance, operational KPIs and key performance indicators to ensure targets are achieved.

Optimise the use of manpower, materials, equipment and other operational resources.

Work closely with functional heads to identify operational issues, resolve bottlenecks and improve overall site performance.

Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, workplace safety requirements, environmental regulations and company policies.

Operational Strategy & Continuous Improvement

Develop and execute operational strategies and improvement plans in alignment with business objectives.

Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, productivity, capacity and cost effectiveness.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma and other operational excellence methodologies.

Analyse operational data, trends and KPIs to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Support business growth initiatives by ensuring manufacturing capabilities, capacity and resources are aligned with business requirements.

Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and operational excellence across the organisation.

Support the preparation and management of the annual operating budget.

Monitor operational costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction and resource optimisation.

Track manufacturing performance against financial and operational targets.

Work closely with Finance and other functions to understand operational costs and improve profitability.

Support senior management in business planning, resource allocation and investment decisions.

Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Work closely with Sales, Program Management and Engineering teams to align manufacturing capabilities with customer requirements.

Support the resolution of critical customer and operational issues.

Participate in customer meetings, business reviews and other stakeholder engagements when required.

Represent the company professionally in relevant industry events and business engagements.

Lead, manage and develop cross-functional teams to achieve operational and business objectives.

Develop a strong performance-driven culture through effective communication, coaching and people development.

Work closely with department heads to identify manpower requirements, succession planning and capability development needs.

Provide leadership and direction to managers and key functional teams.

Promote teamwork, accountability and effective cross-functional collaboration.

Position Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.

A Master's Degree, MBA or Engineering Management qualification is an added advantage.

Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or managerial position.

Proven experience in managing manufacturing operations and leading cross-functional teams.

Experience in precision engineering, semiconductor, electronics or other high-mix / high-precision manufacturing environments is preferred.

Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, process optimisation, quality management and supply chain coordination.

Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence methodologies.

Proven track record in improving productivity, operational efficiency, cost effectiveness and overall site performance.

Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, financial analysis and resource planning.

Experience in managing operational KPIs and driving performance against business targets.

Strong leadership capabilities, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams across different functions.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Strong communication, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with employees, management, customers and other stakeholders.

Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Knowledge of ISO quality management systems, workplace safety regulations and manufacturing compliance requirements.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics or equivalent.

Adaptable, commercially minded, results-oriented and comfortable working in a dynamic and growing manufacturing environment.

Candidates with experience overseeing a manufacturing site or multiple operational functions will have an added advantage.