Operations Director

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to join a leading contract manufacturing organisation based in Penang, Malaysia. This pivotal role offers you the chance to shape the future of assembly, sheet metal, and machining operations by providing strategic direction and operational oversight.

You will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement initiatives, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and ensuring that the highest standards of quality, cost efficiency, and safety are consistently met.

What you'll do:

As Operations Director, you will play an integral part in steering all aspects of assembly, sheet metal, and machining operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with senior leaders to set strategic direction while also rolling up your sleeves to ensure smooth execution on the shop floor. You will champion continuous improvement efforts by empowering teams to identify opportunities for process optimisation in quality assurance, cost control, and timely delivery. By nurturing talent through coaching programmes and targeted skills development initiatives—including technical methodologies like Lean Manufacturing—you will help build a resilient workforce ready to meet evolving business needs. Your commitment to maintaining rigorous safety standards will safeguard both people and processes. Success in this role means not only achieving operational targets but also cultivating an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued for their contributions.

• Represent the organisation as the operational head for assembly, sheet metal, and machining operations, ensuring seamless integration across all manufacturing activities.
• Support the Division Head of Operations in meeting established targets by promoting operational discipline and shared accountability throughout the business.
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager to develop and implement long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies that align with organisational objectives.
• Initiate and guide cross-functional teams in continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing quality, reducing costs, and optimising delivery performance.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of robust safety and environmental management systems to ensure full legal compliance and protect employee wellbeing.
• Lead the planning, development, execution, and sustainability of processes, equipment upgrades, and procedures across manufacturing, engineering, and support functions.
• Coach, mentor, and motivate diverse teams to adapt effectively to change while structuring resources for optimal contribution to business outcomes.
• Identify skill gaps within teams and drive competency development initiatives in both technical areas (such as 8D problem-solving, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen) and management practices.
• Ensure that adequate resources—both human and material—are available to meet current demands while preparing for future growth.
• Foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility that supports both individual achievement and collective success.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for the Operations Director position brings extensive experience from senior roles particularly those involving assembly lines or precision machining. Your background includes not only technical expertise but also a deep appreciation for people development; you understand how nurturing talent leads directly to improved business outcomes. A degree in Engineering or equivalent qualification that demonstrates your technical foundation for overseeing complex manufacturing operations.

• More than ten years’ progressive experience in engineering or operations roles within sheetmetal manufacturing environments.
• At least five years’ proven track record in senior leadership positions where you have managed large teams across multiple disciplines.
• Comprehensive understanding of industry trends along with benchmarking best practices against world-class metrics for manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a vision-driven approach that translates strategy into actionable plans delivering measurable results.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement methodologies such as 8D problem-solving techniques, Lean Manufacturing principles or Kaizen events.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling you to coach teams effectively while fostering collaboration across departments.
• A passion for achieving operational excellence combined with perseverance when navigating challenges or driving change initiatives.
• Commitment to upholding safety standards through proactive management of environmental systems ensuring regulatory compliance at all times.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a trusted leader in contract manufacturing thanks to its unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship paired with forward-thinking operational strategies. Employees enjoy access to comprehensive training programmes designed not just for technical upskilling but also personal growth—ensuring everyone has the tools they need for long-term success. With state-of-the-art facilities located in Penang’s thriving industrial hub—and a reputation built on reliability—the company offers an inspiring environment where your contributions truly matter.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career as an Operations Director to new heights within a supportive team environment focused on excellence—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided; we look forward to connecting with talented professionals who share our passion for operational success.

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C