Job Purpose:
The Manufacturing Strategy and Transformation Director role for Ambient Manufacturing is responsible for leading strategic and tactical initiatives that will drive the transformation of ambient manufacturing processes. This position will lead and support cross-functional projects to ensure that Thai Union remains a best-in-class manufacturer, contributing to the company's global goals while delivering the highest standards in products, efficiency, and profitability. The role is also pivotal in embedding World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles to continuously improve manufacturing capabilities and achieve excellence in operational performance.
Responsibilities:
Strategy Development & Execution:
- Support the Chief Operation Officer in shaping the strategic direction for Ambient Manufacturing, ensuring alignment with global goals and objectives (Strategy 2030)
- Advocate for and translate Thai Union Group's global manufacturing goals into actionable projects for Ambient Manufacturing.
- Analyze business needs, production performance, and external factors to develop insights and recommend strategies to optimize operations and meet financial targets.
- Track and report on manufacturing performance, identifying key areas for improvement and alignment with global strategic goals.
Manufacturing Transformation Projects:
- Lead and manage cross-functional transformational projects aimed at improving manufacturing capabilities, operational efficiency, and process optimization.
- Oversee capital projects and strategic initiatives to drive continuous improvements within the Ambient Manufacturing function.
- Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve desired financial and operational targets.
- Manage project teams, ensuring clarity in resource allocation, roles, and responsibilities to ensure successful project execution.
World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Implementation:
- Lead the deployment of WCM initiatives jointly with Operational Excellence team, focusing on cost reduction through process optimization, waste reduction, and continuous improvement.
- Define and set manufacturing standards across Ambient Manufacturing, ensuring processes and activities meet the highest quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
- Implement best-in-class manufacturing methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM, ensuring consistency, reliability, and productivity across all manufacturing sites.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization (group strategy, ambient business teams) to ensure alignment with business goals and effective project execution.
- Take accountability for key projects and ensure clear communication with shared services functions and other departments to drive successful outcomes.
- Foster a collaborative environment that encourages feedback and innovation, driving continuous improvement within the organization.
Financial Oversight:
- Monitor the financial performance of projects and initiatives, ensuring efficient use of resources and that expected returns are realized.
- Oversee the development of business cases, including cost tracking, project timelines, and expected financial outcomes.
- Maintain one version of the financial truth, understanding trade-offs, and making immediate decisions to ensure tangible benefits are delivered.
People Leadership & Development:
- Support talent development within the Ambient Manufacturing function, focusing on creating a pipeline for future leadership and internal growth.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and development through regular operations performance reviews and feedback loops.
- Lead leadership development initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of internal teams, ensuring they are equipped to handle transformation challenges.
Transformation & Change Management:
- Champion the transformation process within manufacturing, driving initiatives to modernize facilities, improve technologies, and implement innovative practices.
- Promote a culture of change and innovation within manufacturing teams, encouraging creative solutions to manufacturing challenges.
- Ensure stakeholder communication is clear and that transformation initiatives are understood, accepted, and integrated into day-to-day operations.
KPIs:
Quantitative:
- Strategic Direction: Number of strategic initiatives delivered on time and in alignment with global objectives.
- Project Execution: ROI on projects, adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Financial Impact: Improvement in operational efficiency, cost savings, and profitability within Ambient Manufacturing.
- Employee Development: Employee satisfaction and growth in internal leadership talent.
- Continuous Improvement: Successful implementation of WCM tools and methodologies, and their impact on operational performance.
Qualitative:
- Strategic Alignment: Quality of strategic alignment with organizational goals, ensuring initiatives support long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.
- Team Collaboration: Effectiveness in managing cross-functional teams, ensuring smooth execution with minimal disruption to operations.
- Balance of Financial Goals and Quality: Ability to balance financial goals with quality standards and long-term investment in sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Employee Engagement: Employee engagement and satisfaction, as indicated by feedback surveys, talent retention rates, and the ability to nurture a high-performance culture.
- Continuous Improvement: Effectiveness of fostering a culture of continuous improvement, as evidenced by employee participation in improvement initiatives and the organization's adaptability to changes in manufacturing practices.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or related field; advanced degree preferred.
Experience:
- Proven experience (10+ years) in manufacturing strategy, transformation, or operations management within a world-class manufacturing environment.
- Experience in driving World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Zero Defects.
- Demonstrated expertise in process optimization, capacity planning, and resource management.
- Strong leadership experience in managing manufacturing operation teams and cross-functional projects.
- Working in international environment, with stakeholders across multiple regions
- Ability to setup own goals, work autonomously and drive projects to tangible impact
