We’re Hiring: Head of Operations, Asia | Manufacturing Industry

📍 Singapore based | Approximately 75% travel to China and Vietnam

Our client, a fast-growing contract manufacturer, is seeking a hands-on Head of Operations, Asia to lead manufacturing across Singapore, Xiamen and Vietnam.

Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, you will drive profitability, strengthen manufacturing performance and scale new customer programs into mass production. This is an opportunity for an accomplished plant or regional operations leader ready to take on broader responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:
• Lead regional manufacturing operations, with accountability for gross margin, production costs, quality and delivery.
• Drive measurable cost reductions across materials, labour, overheads, scrap and rework.
• Improve yield, equipment effectiveness, cycle times and productivity through lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Lead production transfers, capacity expansion and new program launches, delivering on schedule and at target cost.
• Optimise manufacturing allocation across the three sites.
• Partner with Finance on costing, variance analysis and pricing discipline.
• Maintain validated and controlled manufacturing processes within applicable medical device quality requirements.
• Develop site leaders and lead operations, supply chain, planning and manufacturing engineering teams.

What We’re Looking For:
• At least 15 years of manufacturing operations experience, including 5 years leading a plant or multi-site operation with full P&L or cost accountability.
• A proven record of improving gross margins or reducing manufacturing costs, supported by measurable results.
• Experience managing production ramps, new lines or cross-border manufacturing transfers.
• Hands-on leadership in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or the Toyota Production System.
• Experience directly leading local teams in China and/or Southeast Asia.
• Experience in a regulated, high-precision industry. Medical devices are preferred; relevant backgrounds in aerospace, semiconductors, automotive or precision electronics are also welcome.
• Degree in Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline.
• Experience in polymer extrusion, catheter assembly, nitinol processing or contract manufacturing would be advantageous, alongside knowledge of ISO 13485 and FDA quality requirements.

The Opportunity:
Shape a growing regional manufacturing network with a clear mandate to improve margins and deliver successful customer programs. The package includes a competitive base salary, annual bonus and significant long-term equity participation.

Interested? Send me your CV via LinkedIn for a confidential discussion.
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