Southeast Asia Operations Center Director

Job responsibilities
Provide regional leadership and strategic oversight for core operational functions, including production management, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), ensuring alignment with HQ standards, policies, and governance framework.

Drive end-to-end operational performance across the region, ensuring achievement of key business objectives in product quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery (QCD) in accordance with global performance benchmarks.

Partner with global Supply Chain Management (SCM) and HQ planning teams to ensure effective demand planning, material readiness, production scheduling, and supply continuity, supporting customer requirements and regional business commitments.

Lead operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on lean manufacturing, capacity optimization, productivity enhancement, and cost reduction across regional manufacturing operations.

Spearhead manufacturing digital transformation initiatives, including implementation of smart manufacturing systems, automation technologies, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and integration of IT systems for production planning, execution, and material control.

Provide oversight and coordination with Infrastructure and Facilities teams for planning, construction, and commissioning of new production facilities and manufacturing lines, ensuring alignment with HQ-approved expansion strategy.

Act as the key regional liaison between Headquarters and Southeast Asia operations, ensuring effective communication, governance compliance, and execution of HQ-directed strategic initiatives.

Perform additional regional leadership responsibilities as assigned by Headquarters in support of global operational objectives

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical discipline; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 8 years in a senior regional or multi-site leadership role.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale, multi-country manufacturing operations across Southeast Asia or similar global regions.
• Strong experience in end-to-end operations management, including production planning, manufacturing engineering, quality management, and EHS governance.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence initiatives (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or equivalent methodologies) resulting in measurable improvements in QCD performance.
• Solid experience working with global headquarters in a matrix organization, ensuring alignment between regional execution and global strategy.
• Strong background in supply chain coordination, including demand planning, capacity planning, materials management, and production scheduling.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing digital transformation initiatives, including smart factory systems, industrial automation, MES/ERP integration, and data-driven operations.
• Familiarity with facility planning, expansion projects, and greenfield/brownfield manufacturing site development.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing large, cross-functional, and multicultural teams across multiple countries.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with HQ executives and regional leadership teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a results-driven mindset.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, complex, and highly regulated manufacturing environment.