About the Role
The Production Manager (Grooming to Factory Manager) is responsible for managing and optimizing all production operations to ensure efficiency, quality, cost control, and on-time delivery. This role is a succession position for Factory Manager.
Strong Japanese communication skills are essential, as the role involves frequent reporting, meetings, and decision-making discussions in Japanese. The incumbent will progressively expand responsibilities to cover full factory operations and leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, control, and monitor production activities to meet output, quality, cost, and delivery targets
- Manage manpower, machinery, and materials to optimize productivity and operational efficiency
- Drive continuous improvement in production processes, productivity, and cost reduction initiatives
- Ensure production operations comply with quality systems and standards such as ISO9001, IATF16949, and ISO13485
- Support internal and external audits and ensure corrective and preventive actions are effectively implemented
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and staff to strengthen leadership capability
- Identify and groom high‑potential employees for future supervisory, managerial, and factory‑level leadership roles
- Coordinate closely with Quality, Maintenance, Planning, Engineering, and Warehouse teams
- Communicate effectively with Japanese management, customers, suppliers, and headquarters regarding production performance, issues, and improvement plans
- Prepare and present production reports, analyses, and improvement proposals in Japanese when required
- Prepare production KPIs, operational reports, and performance summaries for senior management
- Support factory‑wide planning and strategic initiatives aligned with Japanese corporate standards
- Gradually assume broader factory management responsibilities in preparation for the Factory Manager role
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Science, or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of managerial experience in the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) industry.
- Strong hands-on experience in Production Management, especially PCBA products.
- Good command of English for cross-regional coordination.
- Japanese communication skills are a strong advantage, as this role requires reporting and coordination with Japanese management.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
- Solid understanding of factory operations, production systems, and continuous improvement.
- Strategic mindset with clear potential to grow into a Factory Manager position.
