Regional Operations Director (High-Precision Manufacturing)

Randstad Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Singapore is seeking an experienced Operations Executive to oversee manufacturing across Asia, focusing on margin expansion and cost reduction while ensuring scale-up and on-time delivery of new programs. The role requires hands-on leadership in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement, with accountability for P&L/COGS and cross-site performance.

The candidate has 15+ years in manufacturing ops, 5+ years managing multi-site operations, and a background in regulated high-precision

Qualifications

• 15+ years of manufacturing operations experience.
• 5+ years directing multi-site operations with P&L/COGS accountability.
• Experience in regulated high-precision industries; medical device preferred.
• Hands-on Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement systems.
• Contract manufacturing (CDMO/CMO) experience is advantageous.
• MBA or financial training is a strong plus.
• Willing to travel across regional sites.

Responsibilities

• Cost & Margin Optimization: Build comprehensive product-line and customer-level cost models and lead a COGS reduction program.
• Manufacturing Performance: Own production output, yield, OEE, and quality metrics across the regional network; drive Lean initiatives.
• Network & Scale-Up: Optimize regional footprint, execute program transfers, and plan capacity and hiring ahead of demand.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure cost-reduction initiatives operate within ISO 13485 / FDA QMSR; treat quality costs as margin lever.
• People & Leadership: Lead and mentor site GMs and manufacturing teams to a cost-aware culture.

Skills

Cost optimization

COGS reduction

Lean

Six Sigma

P&L literacy

Program management

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering or Materials Science

MBA or financial training

Job description

Company Overview

Our client is a fast-growing contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision components and assemblies for global OEMs. Operating within a strictly regulated industry, they are currently in a phase of rapid expansion, ramping up mass production. We are partnering with them to hire a commercially driven operations executive to optimize this expansion and drive substantial profitability across their manufacturing network.

Role Summary

You will oversee manufacturing operations across multiple key sites in Asia. The overriding mandate is to expand gross margins by structurally reducing costs across all product lines, while ensuring the successful scale-up of production and the timely delivery of new customer programs. This role requires an operator with a "floor-first" mentality who is ready to take full accountability for margin points, unit cost reductions, and flawless program execution.

Key Responsibilities

Cost & Margin Optimization: Build comprehensive product-line and customer-level cost models to identify profit levers. Lead a structured COGS reduction program targeting yield, scrap, cycle time, labor productivity, and overhead. Partner closely with Finance on standard costing, variance analysis, and quoting discipline.

Manufacturing Performance: Own production output, yield, OEE, and quality metrics across the regional network. Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives (daily tiered meetings, visual management, Kaizen) with tangible financial impacts. Improve first-pass yields and significantly reduce setup and changeover times.

Network & Scale-Up: Optimize the regional manufacturing footprint based on cost, capability, and risk management. Seamlessly execute program transfers and site expansions on schedule and within budget, without disrupting existing OEM customers. Plan capacity, equipment, and hiring ahead of demand.

Quality & Compliance: Ensure all cost-reduction initiatives operate strictly within a compliant quality system (e.g., ISO 13485, FDA QMSR). Treat quality costs-including scrap, rework, and CAPAs-as a primary margin-improvement lever.

People & Leadership: Lead, mentor, and upgrade site general managers, supply chain, planning, and manufacturing engineering teams. Foster a highly accountable, cost-aware culture where every site leader actively manages and acts on their cost per unit and yield.

Candidate Profile

Experience: 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 5 years directing a plant or multi-site operation with full P&L or COGS accountability.

Track Record: A documented history of improving gross margins, cutting COGS, and scaling production rapidly (e.g., new lines, volume ramps, or cross-border facility transfers).

Industry Background: Extensive background in a regulated, high-precision industry. Medical device manufacturing is highly preferred; candidates from aerospace, semiconductor, automotive, or precision electronics will also be considered.

Methodology: Hands-on leadership experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement systems

Commercial Acumen: Prior contract manufacturing (CDMO/CMO) experience, including managing multiple customers and competitive quoting, is highly advantageous. Must be comfortable reading P&L and building robust cost models.

Education: Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. An MBA or formal financial training is a strong plus.

Attributes: Highly resilient, driven, and analytical. Willing to undertake frequent travel across regional manufacturing sites. Stakeholder management skills to liaise effectively with diverse local teams and global OEM customers.