Manufacturing Director – Asia Plant Operations & Global OPEX Leadership
Location: Singapore (Plant-based)
A global leader in high-technology equipment manufacturing is seeking a Manufacturing Director to oversee plant operations in Asia while driving Operational Excellence (OPEX) initiatives across two major global sites. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role at the heart of one of the most advanced manufacturing industries in the world.
About the Role
This position carries dual responsibility: ensuring world-class performance at a flagship Asia manufacturing site while leading global OPEX programs that transform operations across multiple facilities. You will be accountable for manufacturing excellence, operational discipline, and continuous improvement – balancing day-to-day plant leadership with strategic initiatives that deliver measurable business outcomes on a global scale.
You will collaborate closely with senior executives, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure cost, quality, delivery, and safety metrics are consistently exceeded. This is an opportunity to lead at scale, influencing both regional execution and global manufacturing standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Plant Leadership (Asia):
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- Oversee day-to-day operations of the Asia manufacturing site, ensuring performance across safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
- Build and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Partner with engineering and R&D to ensure new product introductions are seamlessly industrialized.
- Global Operational Excellence (OPEX):
- Lead and coordinate OPEX projects across two global sites, embedding Lean, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing practices.
- Drive best-practice sharing and standardization across plants, with a focus on yield, throughput, and efficiency improvements.
- Identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities, aligning with global business strategy.
- Strategic Contribution:
- Support the development of long-term manufacturing strategies, including capacity expansion, automation, and Industry 4.0 integration.
- Anticipate business challenges, recommend solutions, and influence senior stakeholders across regions.
Candidate Profile
- Proven track record in manufacturing leadership within semiconductor equipment, electronics, or other high-complexity, high-precision industries.
- Deep expertise in Operational Excellence / Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen).
- Strong plant management experience, with accountability for P&L, headcount, and end-to-end manufacturing operations.
- Global mindset – demonstrated success leading projects across multiple regions and cultures.
- Exceptional ability to balance strategic leadership and hands-on operational oversight.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage executives and operational teams alike.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations Management.
- 15+ years’ experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt) strongly preferred.
- Experience in semiconductor equipment or advanced capital equipment manufacturing highly advantageous.
What’s on Offer
This is a high-impact leadership role with both regional and global influence. You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead a flagship Asia plant for one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing organizations.
- Drive global OPEX transformation projects that set new benchmarks across the industry.
- Shape the future of high-tech manufacturing in a company that invests heavily in innovation and continuous improvement.
Managed by:
Ben McDonald
Partner
Connexus Global