Role Overview
We are supporting a confidential search for a Plant Manager to lead a manufacturing site in Malaysia. This role has full accountability for plant operations, safety, quality, delivery, cost performance, and continuous improvement.
The Plant Manager will provide strong leadership across production, engineering, EHS, and supply chain functions, driving operational excellence, lean manufacturing, automation, and sustainable growth in a discrete manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Operational Strategy
- Lead overall plant operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity
- Develop and execute annual operating plans, budgets, and KPIs
- Drive a performancedriven culture with clear accountability and continuous improvement mindset
2. Manufacturing & Operational Excellence
- Oversee endtoend manufacturing operations and daily plant performance
- Implement and strengthen Lean Manufacturing practices and standardized assembly processes
- Ensure ontime delivery and product quality while reducing waste and inefficiencies
- Strengthen preventive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and uptime
3. Safety, Compliance & Quality
- Ensure full compliance with EHS and quality management systems (e.g. ISO standards)
- Maintain a safe, incidentfree workplace through strong safety leadership and discipline
- Lead internal and external audits and drive corrective and preventive actions
4. Financial & Cost Management
- Own plant P&L performance, including labor efficiency, overhead control, and material utilization
- Drive cost optimization initiatives such as value engineering, productivity improvement, and energy efficiency
- Manage and prioritize CAPEX investments for automation, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements
5. People Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead and develop crossfunctional teams across Production, Engineering, EHS, and Supply Chain
- Build a strong leadership pipeline through training, coaching, and succession planning
- Foster high employee engagement through transparent communication and empowerment
6. Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the senior plant representative in customer engagements related to quality, delivery, and operations
- Support new project evaluations, RFQs, and manufacturing feasibility assessments
- Collaborate closely with regional and global stakeholders to support business growth
Candidate Profile
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
- 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment within the mechanical / industrial sector
- 5+ years in a Plant Manager, Operations Head, or equivalent leadership role, with full P&L ownership
- Strong handson experience in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Proven people leader with the ability to motivate, influence, and develop teams
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work crossfunctionally without relying on hierarchy
