A well-established international manufacturer is seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead its production facility in Thailand.
This is a critical leadership role for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves on the shop floor while also setting strategic direction and driving performance across key operational areas.
You'll join a business with a strong global footprint, modern manufacturing practices, and an uncompromising commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
This role offers full accountability for day-to-day manufacturing operations, with a focus on building a high-performance culture and ensuring the site operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with regional objectives.
As Operations Manager, you will:
- Lead the site's core operational functions, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Facilities Management.
- Engage directly with production teams, ensuring smooth daily operations, solving problems on the ground, and providing real-time support.
- Champion a culture of safety, acting as the site's Safety Manager, with direct responsibility for WHS compliance, audits, training, and preventative measures.
- Drive quality standards, ensuring the plant meets customer expectations and remains fully compliant with ISO, BRC, and other industry certifications.
- Oversee plant maintenance, ensuring uptime through strong preventative and corrective maintenance programs.
- Manage site infrastructure, utilities, and building-related projects, including CAPEX investments focused on efficiency and sustainability.
- Collaborate with regional teams, including Supply Chain, Sales, and Engineering/Projects, to ensure alignment with broader APAC strategies and smooth execution of cross-border initiatives.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts, applying Lean, 5S, and automation initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and future-proof operations.
- Develop people and teams, promoting engagement, flexibility, and upskilling to ensure long-term operational resilience.
EXPERIENCE
We're looking for a capable and passionate leader with:
- 10+ years of experience in plant operations or manufacturing management within a global environmentideally in packaging, FMCG, or a high-volume industrial sector.
- A practical, hands-on leadership style, with the ability to coach and engage teams at every level.
- Strong knowledge of workplace safety regulations, ISO standards, and operational compliance frameworks.
- A proven ability to drive change, manage complexity, and optimize plant performance through innovation and best practices.
- The interpersonal skills to build trust with cross-functional stakeholders, both locally and regionally.
- Very good English written and oral communication
- A technical background in Engineering (particularly mechanical or process-related disciplines)
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or 5S
- Background managing CAPEX projects or facility upgrades
THIS IS A CHANCE TO:
- Join a respected global manufacturer with a strong local presence and long-term investment in Thailand.
- Take full ownership of the Thailand site, with the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on culture, performance, and innovation.
- Work alongside supportive regional leadership that values autonomy, transparency, and collaboration.
- Be part of an organization where operational excellence, sustainability, and people development are truly embedded into the culture.
