Vice President Operations

VP of Operations, Asia

Location: Singapore

• SGD 288,000 - 480,000 annual base salary
• 25% annual bonus target
• Long-term incentive/equity opportunity, subject to experience and package
• 13th-month salary payment
• Transportation allowance of SGD 450 per month
• Annual leave starting at 18 days + Healthcare benefits
• Relocation assistance and work permit support, where applicable
• Full-time, site-based position with 50% regional travel across Asia

Umbilical Advanced is proud to be partnering with a global technology and manufacturing organisation with operations across Asia, Europe and North America. The business is focused on operational excellence, manufacturing efficiency and continued international growth.

Reporting to a senior executive, the VP of Operations, Asia will lead approximately 2,750 employees across multiple manufacturing sites, initially covering Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines and other parts of Asia to join the remit.

This is a key succession appointment for an established operation, offering the opportunity to strengthen leadership capability, drive cultural change, improve productivity and accelerate automation and continuous improvement while supporting future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-site manufacturing network across Asia, establishing consistent operating standards, performance measures and accountability.
• Develop and execute regional manufacturing strategy aligned with business objectives, growth plans and global operations priorities.
• Drive manufacturing cost performance, productivity, labour efficiency, cost absorption, conversion costs and asset utilisation.
• Lead operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement and structured problem-solving, improving OEE, throughput, cycle time, yield, quality and on-time delivery.
• Implement automation, AI, digitalisation and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• Lead manufacturing transfers, capacity expansion, operational integration and footprint optimisation, ensuring capacity meets future demand.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance and Business Unit leaders to optimise material availability, inventory, working capital and customer delivery.
• Ensure consistent quality management systems, regulatory compliance, safety and environmental standards across all sites.
• Develop Plant Directors and senior manufacturing leaders, strengthening leadership capability, succession planning, accountability and a collaborative culture of continuous improvement across diverse countries and cultures.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and capital investment, deliver sustainable returns, engage global stakeholders and strategic customers, and ensure a smooth transition from the incumbent.

Experience Required

• Senior Leadership: 15+ years manufacturing leadership experience at VP, SVP, Director or equivalent level.
• Multi-Site Operations: Hands-on factory leadership and international operations, ideally overseeing 1,500+ employees.
• Regional Experience: Manufacturing across Asia, particularly Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and India.
• Technical Background: Advanced manufacturing, electronics, precision engineering or complex industrial environments.
• Operational Excellence: Cost reduction, productivity, Lean, Six Sigma, transformation, manufacturing transfers, capacity expansion and footprint optimisation.
• Technology: Automation, AI, digitalisation and SAP or other major manufacturing ERP systems.
• People Leadership: Developing senior leaders, succession planning, high-performing teams and cultural change.
• Qualifications: Engineering or relevant technical degree preferred; MBA advantageous.
• Travel and Eligibility: Minimum 50% regional travel. Eligible to work in Singapore, relocate and meet relevant legal and customer requirements.

Why Join

This is an opportunity to lead a substantial international manufacturing operation at an important point in its development. The organisation has established manufacturing facilities, experienced teams and a strong operational foundation. The next phase is about raising performance further, developing leadership capability, accelerating technology adoption and preparing the regional network for continued growth.

The successful candidate will have significant executive visibility, the opportunity to influence regional manufacturing strategy and the responsibility to shape the next generation of operational leadership.

How to apply:

Please click apply, or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical LLC. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to [Confidential Information]

Umbilical LLC is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience.

We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.