Manufacturing Manager - Book and Print

About the role

A Singapore-based print media services provider specialising in books, journals, educational materials and other publications is looking for a Manufacturing Manager. The role leads end-to-end book manufacturing across offset and digital printing, binding and finishing, working with Production Planning, Equipment Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Supply Chain to turn customer requirements and production plans into reliable results.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily operations across offset and digital printing, folding, gathering, sewing, perfect binding, case making and finishing.
• Manage production performance against safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, waste, equipment utilisation and OEE targets.
• Translate production plans into machine loading, manpower deployment and shift priorities, resolving bottlenecks with Production Planning.
• Ensure jobs meet specifications for colour, registration, pagination, trim, binding strength, finishing and packing.
• Monitor output, WIP, turnaround time, rejects, rework and material usage, and lead root-cause analysis when targets are missed.
• Work with Equipment Maintenance on preventive and corrective maintenance to improve reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Drive lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and process standardisation to raise throughput and capacity while reducing spoilage and conversion costs.
• Lead, coach and develop managers, supervisors, technicians and operators, and contribute to manpower planning, recruitment and succession planning.
• Manage production resources such as paper, ink, adhesives, boards and covers, controlling inventory and costs.
• Promote safe work practices, housekeeping and chemical handling, and comply with legal requirements and the Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety and FSC Chain of Custody systems.
• Support sustainable manufacturing and evaluate new equipment, automation and digital workflows, including trials, commissioning and SOPs.
• Prepare and present production reports, forecasts and improvement plans to management.

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in Printing Technology, Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• At least 15 years of experience in print or book manufacturing, including at least 5 years leading sizeable production teams at manager level or above.
• Proven track record of improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, equipment utilisation and on-time delivery in a high-mix environment.
• Strong people leadership skills and the ability to collaborate with Production Planning, Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Supply Chain.
• Decisive, hands-on and solutions-oriented, with strong planning, communication and problem-solving skills.

Required skills

• Practical experience across offset and digital printing, binding and finishing operations.
• Preferred: experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, production planning or manufacturing systems.