Senior Operation Manager

A leading organisation in Penang is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee and elevate their manufacturing operations, supply chain management, production, warehouse, and facility functions.

This role offers you the opportunity to make a significant impact by shaping business strategy, driving operational excellence, and nurturing a culture of safety and continuous improvement. You will be empowered to foster team growth, optimise processes, and ensure exceptional product quality and reliability. The company values flexibility, training opportunities, and supportive leadership, making this an ideal environment for those who thrive in collaborative settings and are committed to professional development. If you are passionate about creating positive change and enjoy working with diverse teams to achieve shared goals, this position provides the platform for you to excel.

• Take ownership of end-to-end manufacturing operations, supply chain management (external), production, warehouse, and facility oversight while ensuring seamless integration across all departments.
• Drive strategic initiatives aimed at improving market share and profitability by implementing business strategies that align with corporate objectives for growth.
• Enjoy flexible working opportunities within a supportive leadership structure that prioritises team development, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement through Lean Sigma tools.

What you'll do:

As the Senior Operations Manager based in Penang, your day-to-day responsibilities will revolve around orchestrating the entire manufacturing ecosystem—from production planning to supply chain coordination—ensuring every aspect operates smoothly and efficiently. You will play a pivotal role in setting strategic direction for the business unit while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer demands. Your focus on quality assurance will drive reliability in product delivery and equipment performance. By fostering a culture rooted in safety and Lean manufacturing principles, you will champion ongoing improvements in HSE standards, cost savings, and team morale. Through effective coaching and development of your teams—including production staff, warehouse personnel, maintenance engineers, process specialists, and supply chain professionals—you will empower individuals to grow within their roles while preparing them for future career advancement. Your expertise will be instrumental in executing CAPEX projects that enhance operational capabilities and support sustainable growth.

• Set and implement comprehensive business strategies designed to improve both market share and profitability while meeting corporate objectives for growth.
• Lead product management, design, and engineering efforts to support legacy products as well as develop new solutions tailored to evolving customer needs.
• Ensure customer expectations are consistently met or exceeded regarding product performance, quality, reliability, supply chain efficiency, technology advancements, cost control, sustainability initiatives, and reduction in cost of ownership.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships to gain intimate knowledge of customer requirements and translate these insights into actionable improvements across operations.
• Supervise production activities according to established plans while maintaining high standards of process quality control and equipment reliability.
• Collaborate closely with the Supply Chain team to guarantee on-time delivery of products and maintain reasonable material inventory levels.
• Maximise utilisation of warehouse space by implementing efficient goods movement practices that support overall operational effectiveness.
• Champion the implementation of Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures throughout all facilities in accordance with commitment letters.
• Monitor Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) across all manufacturing facilities including production lines, utilities for office areas, and technical centres.
• Plan and execute capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects focused on continuous improvement initiatives such as replacing outdated equipment or optimising existing procedures.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for the Senior Operations Manager position brings extensive experience from the manufacturing sector—particularly within chemical production—and possesses deep knowledge of supply chain dynamics. Your academic background in Chemical Engineering or similar disciplines equips you with technical expertise necessary for overseeing complex operations. You have demonstrated your ability to manage large teams across multiple functions by fostering collaboration and supporting individual growth through coaching. Your interpersonal skills enable you to build trust-based relationships with stakeholders while maintaining open channels of communication. A commitment to ethical conduct underpins your approach to responsibility; you take ownership of outcomes by ensuring rigorous adherence to safety standards. Your proficiency with Lean Sigma methodologies allows you to identify opportunities for process optimisation that benefit both quality assurance efforts and cost-saving measures. By continuously developing new procedures alongside refining existing ones, you contribute meaningfully toward operational excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering or related field is required for this role.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience managing manufacturing environments with proven success in operational leadership.
• Demonstrated involvement in external supply chain management with a track record of optimising material flow and inventory levels.
• Extensive management experience within chemical production environments; experience in the fine chemical industry is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication skills enabling you to connect effectively with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
• Supportive leadership qualities that inspire team members through coaching, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving approaches.
• Strong occupational ethics coupled with a sense of ownership over operational outcomes ensures accountability across all functions.
• Ability to promote a culture of safety by implementing HSE policies rigorously throughout all facilities.
• Proficiency in Lean Sigma tools for driving continuous improvement initiatives related to quality enhancement and cost reduction.
• Capacity for developing new procedures as well as optimising existing ones to maximise efficiency within manufacturing operations.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a leader within its industry due to its unwavering commitment to employee development, operational excellence, and inclusive workplace culture. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements that accommodate personal needs while supporting professional ambitions. The company invests heavily in training opportunities designed to expand skillsets across all levels—empowering individuals not only within their current roles but also preparing them for future advancement. Supportive leadership fosters an environment where knowledge sharing is encouraged; team members collaborate openly on projects that drive innovation without sacrificing stability or dependability. The focus on continuous improvement extends beyond operational processes into people development: every employee is given access to resources that help them grow personally as well as professionally. With a strong emphasis on health & safety standards plus sustainability initiatives embedded throughout daily operations, this organisation offers a secure yet dynamic platform where your contributions are valued—and where you can truly make an impact alongside like-minded colleagues who share your passion for excellence.

What's next:

If you are ready to bring your expertise in manufacturing management into an environment that values collaboration, inclusivity, and professional growth—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided or email me at TengHong.Khoo@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this new opportunity!

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