Our client is a leading global optical solutions provider that has served a variety of markets including Life Sciences, Biomedical, Industrial Inspection, Semiconductor, R&D, and Defense for more than 80 years. The company employs 1,250+ employees across 18 global locations and continues to expand. Part of this global expansion includes the development of a new assembly plant in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

In line with this expansion, they are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead and oversee the assembly operations of optical and metal components at their established manufacturing plant in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This role is key to ensuring operational excellence, driving production efficiency, and maintaining the highest quality standards. The Operations Director, Assembly will collaborate across departments to ensure on-time delivery, optimal output, and seamless integration of assembly processes with overall plant operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Essential Functions:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the assembly department, ensuring alignment with overall plant goals and customer satisfaction targets.
• Oversee day-to-day assembly operations, including metal and optical components, ensuring product quality, production efficiency, and adherence to production targets.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement strategies to optimize processes, improve production capacity, and reduce waste while enhancing First Pass Yields.
• Work closely with departments like Production Control, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to streamline the integration of assembly processes with other manufacturing workflows.
• Lead, motivate, and develop assembly teams to ensure they are well-trained and capable of meeting production and quality objectives.
• Implement robust quality assurance initiatives and corrective action plans, maintaining high standards in the assembly of optical and metal components.
• Monitor and present assembly performance reports, including production targets, actual output, and 5M1E metrics to senior management.
• Spearhead LEAN manufacturing initiatives to drive continuous improvements in the assembly line and broader plant operations.
• Manage assembly budgets, ensuring cost-effective production operations while maintaining profitability.
• Ensure all operations are in line with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in engineering, Optics, Manufacturing, or a related field. A degree related to optics or precision manufacturing is preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in assembly or manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a management role in optics or precision manufacturing.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of optical and metal component assembly processes or experience in the assembly of medical devices.
• Experience in implementing continuous improvement initiatives, particularly LEAN manufacturing.
• Proven leadership in managing large teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in production planning, quality control, and cost management.
• Familiar with managing profit and loss responsibilities within a manufacturing setting.
• Familiar with ISO standards, SAP systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Mandarin or Malay is a plus, as the role involves liaising with multilingual teams.
• Some overseas travel is required to manage assembly operations across different locations.

Personal Attributes:

• Team player
• Diplomatic
• Honest, open, and direct
• Good communicator
• Self-motivated