Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager – Semiconductor Manufacturing

Gradiant; Kulim; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global water treatment company is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Base Manager in Kulim, Malaysia. This role involves overseeing the operation, maintenance, compliance, and performance of the wastewater treatment plant, ensuring all wastewater is treated effectively before discharge. The ideal candidate will have a relevant Bachelor's degree, significant experience in industrial wastewater treatment, and strong leadership skills. Join us to drive sustainability and optimize processes in a critical industry.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years’ experience in industrial wastewater treatment, preferably in the semiconductor or chemical industry.
• 2–3 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Certified Competent Person in Wastewater Treatment (CePIETSO – PCP).

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day WWTP operations, including physical-chemical treatment processes.
• Drive initiatives in chemical optimization, sludge minimization, and energy efficiency.
• Act as the first escalation point for incidents, coordinating emergency response.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, or related field

Tools

ISO 14001 / 45001 systems

Job description

About us

We are a global leader in advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions, supporting mission-critical operations across key industries worldwide. Headquartered in the United States with a strong regional presence in Asia, including our Innovation Center in Singapore, we leverage cutting-edge proprietary technologies to help industries reduce water usage, minimize discharge, reclaim resources, and turn wastewater into clean water.

Our team consists of over 1,000 professionals, driven by innovation and committed to sustainable environmental impact.

Job Purpose

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Base Manager is responsible for managing the operation, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and performance of the on-site wastewater treatment plant in a semiconductor manufacturing facility. This role ensures all wastewater is effectively treated before discharge or recycling, meeting stringent environmental standards, while supporting production continuity and safety. The manager leads the WWTP team, oversees chemical and waste management, and drives process optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day WWTP operations, including physical-chemical treatment processes.
• Monitor critical parameters (pH, COD, TSS, fluoride, metals) and ensure compliance with DOE and discharge permits.
• Maintain SOPs, logbooks, and environmental reports; support audits and inspections.
• Manage scheduled waste (sludge, spent chemicals, PPE) in full compliance with regulations.

Performance & Optimization

• Review plant performance reports and identify bottlenecks or constraints.
• Drive initiatives in chemical optimization, sludge minimization, and energy efficiency.
• Recommend upgrades and system improvements to increase reliability and capacity.

Incident Response & Safety

• Act as the first escalation point for incidents, coordinating emergency response.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA, 8D, 5Why) and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure team training in emergency protocols, chemical handling, and EHS compliance.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Plan and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for pumps, clarifiers, blowers, and instruments.
• Ensure accuracy of online monitoring systems (pH, TSS, fluoride meters, etc.).
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for servicing, calibration, and upgrades.

Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and mentor WWTP operators and technicians.
• Prepare shift schedules and ensure 24/7 operational readiness.
• Foster a safety-first, compliance-driven culture.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Management

• Track KPIs (chemical consumption, sludge volume, downtime).
• Implement cost reduction initiatives without compromising compliance.
• Provide technical input for expansion projects and new system commissioning.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, or related field.
• 5–8 years’ experience in industrial wastewater treatment, preferably in the semiconductor or chemical industry.
• 2–3 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Certified Competent Person in Wastewater Treatment (CePIETSO – PCP).
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 / 45001 systems.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.