Head of Operations, Asia

Kerry Consulting; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Consulting's client, a high-growth contract manufacturer, is seeking a commercially astute Head of Operations, Asia, to lead manufacturing across the region with end-to-end responsibility for performance, cost and margin.

You will drive structured cost-reduction initiatives, oversee manufacturing excellence, and partner with Finance, Engineering and Commercial teams to align cost visibility and delivery commitments while building a high-performing regional leadership team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years' relevant experience with at least 5 years in multi-site operations leadership.
• Proven track record in cost reductions, gross margin improvements and transformation.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across Asia with full accountability for performance and margins.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or delivery.
• Strengthen cost visibility, operational discipline and performance accountability.
• Build and develop a high-performing regional leadership team while ensuring compliance.

Skills

Operations leadership

Regional experience

Team leadership

Cost reduction

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree or related discipline

Tools

Lean tools

Job description

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

• Newly Created Role
• Exciting Growth & Expansion Opportunity
• Manufacturing Excellence & Operations

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.

L/N 16S8060
R/N 1106833

Desired Skills and Experience

• Operations
• Regional experience
• team leadership