Head of Operations, Asia - Manufacturing

About the role

A fast-growing contract manufacturer is hiring a hands-on Head of Operations, Asia, based in Singapore. The role leads manufacturing across Singapore, Xiamen and Vietnam, reporting directly to the Founder & CEO. It suits an accomplished plant or regional operations leader ready for broader responsibility, with about 75% travel to China and Vietnam.

Key responsibilities

• Lead regional manufacturing operations, accountable for gross margin, production costs, quality and delivery
• Drive cost reductions across materials, labour, overheads, scrap and rework
• Improve yield, equipment effectiveness, cycle times and productivity through lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Lead production transfers, capacity expansion and new program launches on schedule and at target cost
• Optimise manufacturing allocation across the three sites
• Partner with Finance on costing, variance analysis and pricing discipline
• Maintain validated manufacturing processes within applicable medical device quality requirements
• Develop site leaders and lead operations, supply chain, planning and manufacturing engineering teams

Required profile

• At least 15 years of manufacturing operations experience, including 5 years leading a plant or multi-site operation with full P&L or cost accountability
• Proven record of improving gross margins or reducing manufacturing costs with measurable results
• Experience managing production ramps, new lines or cross-border manufacturing transfers
• Direct experience leading local teams in China and/or Southeast Asia
• Degree in Engineering, Materials Science or a related discipline

Required skills

• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or the Toyota Production System
• Regulated, high-precision industry experience; medical devices preferred, aerospace, semiconductors, automotive or precision electronics also welcome
• Knowledge of ISO 13485 and FDA quality requirements; experience in polymer extrusion, catheter assembly, nitinol processing or contract manufacturing is advantageous

What we offer

• Competitive base salary and annual bonus
• Significant long-term equity participation

Candidates apply by sending their CV via LinkedIn for a confidential discussion.