Senior Manufacturing Manager (Production Head)

POKKA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

POKKA PTE. LTD. in Singapore seeks an experienced Head of Production to lead manufacturing operations, safety, and quality initiatives across the plant.

You will drive production strategy, capacity planning, and continuous improvement to meet business goals while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to turn data into actionable improvements, with oversight of budgeting, KPIs, and capital

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 10–15+ years in manufacturing/production operations.
• Minimum 5 years in managerial roles.
• Experience in FMCG/beverage preferred.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead production strategy, planning, and capacity optimization.
• Ensure HACCP, GMP, EHS compliance; manage risk.
• Drive continuous improvement using OEE, yields, downtime data.
• Develop talent, succession planning and team development.
• Manage Capex, ROI analyses, change control and budgets.
• Serve as main contact for audits and key external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Problem solving

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

10–15+ years manufacturing/production ops

5+ years management

Beverage industry experience

Beverage production experience

Job description

Job Role Summary

Responsible for leading and managing the overall production operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality manufacturing in alignment with business objectives. This role oversees production strategy, capacity planning, compliance, continuous improvement, cross‑functional coordination, and talent development. The role ensures stable operations while driving productivity, cost efficiency, and organizational capability within the plant.

Area of Responsibility

Production Strategy & Planning

• Establish and optimize annual, monthly, and weekly production plans with SCM Production Planner.

• Evaluate and optimize resource allocation, including equipment capability, manpower, and materials.

• Lead productivity improvement initiatives, cost‑reduction programs, and long‑term operational planning.

Quality, Safety & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, GMP, EHS, and all applicable regulatory requirements.

• Oversee risk management for safety and quality, ensuring prevention and timely resolution of major incidents.

• Support external audits by customers and regulatory authorities.

• Strengthen quality and safety culture across the production organization.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead improvement programs to achieve QCD targets.

• Analyse production performance data (OEE, yield, downtime, defects) and define improvement priorities.

• Oversee root cause analyses and cross‑functional corrective & preventive actions.

People Management & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and educate team subordinates to enhance performance and accountability.

• Develop organization capability through manpower planning and succession planning.

• Identify and resolve team issues and cross‑department conflicts in a timely manner.

Project & Capital Investment Management

• Lead planning and evaluation of capital expenditure (Capex), including ROI and risk assessments.

• Manage process validation, change control (MOC), and risk mitigation for production‑related changes.

External Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the key contact for major quality, supply, and production matters with customers, HQ, and regulatory bodies.

• Collaborate with Procurement and Quality to resolve supplier‑related issues.

KPI & Budget Management

• Establish and track KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

• Develop and manage departmental budgets (labor, variable, and fixed costs).

• Conduct performance reviews and implement action plans for continuous improvement.

Others

• SMC – Site Main Controller (as main contact in case of emergency such as fire).

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Science, or related fields.

• 10 to 15+ years in manufacturing/production operations within FMCG.

• At least 5 years in managerial positions leading production teams.

• Experience in beverage industry is preferrable.

• Experience in beverage production is an advantage.

Professional Qualifications/ Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of production management, industrial engineering, and process optimization.

• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, ISO, QMS, and EHS standards.

• Competency in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen.

• Ability to analyze production data and utilize performance management tools.

• Understanding of equipment maintenance, facility management, and process validation.

• SCEM – Singapore Certified Energy Manager is an advantage.

• License Holder – Explosive precursors and Hazardous substances is an advantage.

Aptitude and Skills

• Strong leadership and team development skills.

• Cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management.

• Structured problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.

• Effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

• Strategic thinking and operational excellence mindset.