Head of Operations, Asia

Kerry Consulting Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Consulting Pte Ltd is assisting a high-growth contract manufacturer to appoint a Head of Operations for Asia. You will oversee manufacturing operations across Asia, driving sustainable margin improvements and cost reductions while preserving quality and delivery commitments.

Reporting to the CEO, you will build a high-performing regional leadership team, drive continuous improvement across the footprint, and ensure compliance with stringent quality and regulatory standards in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related field with 15+ years of manufacturing experience.
• At least 5 years in multi-site operations leadership with cost reductions.
• Experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and production scale-up; regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across Asia with full accountability for performance and margin improvements.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and delivery commitments.
• Oversee manufacturing excellence, continuous improvement, and cost visibility across regional sites.
• Build and develop a high-performing regional leadership team and ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Skills

Manufacturing operations

Cost reduction

Lean manufacturing

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

• Newly Created Role

• Exciting Growth & Expansion Opportunity

• Manufacturing Excellence & Operations

Our client is a high-growth contract manufacturer, with an established (and expanding) manufacturing footprint across Asia. With strong business momentum and continued capacity expansion plans, there is now an opportunity for a commercially astute and hands-on operations leader to join them as Head of Operations, Asia.

Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead manufacturing operations across Asia, with full accountability for operational performance, cost optimisation and ultimately margin improvement. A key priority will be to drive sustainable margin improvements via structured cost reduction initiatives, without compromising quality and customer delivery commitments. You will oversee manufacturing excellence across the regional footprint, driving continuous improvement, operational efficiencies and a strong cost-conscious culture. Working closely with Finance, Engineering and commercial teams, you will strengthen cost visibility, operational discipline and performance accountability across the organisation. You will also build and develop a high-performing regional leadership team, while ensuring compliance with stringent quality and regulatory standards.

Requirements

Ideally, you are a seasoned manufacturing operations leader with a Degree in Engineering or a related discipline and a minimum of 15 years’ relevant experience, including at least 5 years in multi-site operations leadership roles. You have a proven track record in delivering measurable cost reductions, gross margin improvements and operational transformation, coupled with hands-on experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and production scale-up. Whilst we are sector agnostic, some experience in medical devices or other highly regulated, precision manufacturing environments will be preferred. You are driven, hungry and committed to excel. Hands-on and resilient, you thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.