General Manager - Manufacturing Operations

RMA Group, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, is a multi-sector group with over 9,000 employees and an operational presence in 14 countries. For over 30 years, we have developed enduring partnerships to support the needs of our clients, underpinned by the core values of Innovation, Integrity and Endurance. Through its various businesses including RMA Automotive, Global Fleet Sales, Comin Asia and Express Food Group (EFG), RMA Group has established itself as the partner of choice for leading automotive, equipment, engineering services, and food brands in Southeast Asia and beyond.

RMA Automotive, as part of RMA Group, is a leading automotive assembly, modifications and vehicle personalization service provider to multiple international brands. The company has state of the art plants in Australia, South Africa, Turkey, Dubai, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and planning to establish a new assembly facility at Vientiane, Laos.

The plant will be strategically located in Vientiane, Laos and will provide vehicle assembly, modifications and vehicle personalization services to renowned international OEMs. Over 100 team members will be working at this new assembly plan, continuously striving for quality, efficiency, and innovation in manufacturing operations.

Overview of the Role

The General Manager Manufacturing Operations will spearhead the launch and day-to-day running of RMA Automotives assembly plant in Vientiane, Laos. This senior leadership position is responsible for defining operational strategy, driving production and quality assurance targets, optimizing efficiency across KD kit assembly, and building a high-performance team to scale the business successfully.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Management: Define and implement plant objectives aligned with corporate goals; lead the long-term operational strategy; make critical decisions on production targets, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Production & Operations Management: Ensure smooth and efficient CKD/SKD assembly operations; monitor and optimize production schedules, output, and efficiency; minimize downtime and ensure on-time delivery of finished vehicles.
• Quality Assurance: Enforce compliance with OEM and global quality standards; oversee inspection processes; drive continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Oversee inbound logistics of CKD/SKD parts and consumables; optimize inventory levels; coordinate with source plants to manage logistics costs and supply-chain issues.
• Cost Control & Budgeting: Prepare and manage manufacturing, supply-chain, and QMS budgets; develop annual forecasts and CAPEX proposals; control operational costs to ensure profitability; maintain transparent purchasing, finance, and accounting systems.
• Human Resource Management: Develop the direct and indirect workforce for efficient KD assembly; implement RMAs coaching-based performance system; lead, coach, and motivate plant personnel; ensure compliance with labor laws and oversee training programs.
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Ensure operations comply with safety and environmental regulations; promote a culture of safety through audits and drills; minimize incidents and ensure sustainability compliance.
• Coordination with Headquarters and Stakeholders: Report KPIs and operational updates to corporate management; collaborate with engineering, sales, and marketing on product launches and changes; represent the plant with government agencies, vendors, and external partners.
• Maintenance & Technical Oversight: Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs; ensure equipment functionality; evaluate and integrate new technologies or upgrades.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to local and international automotive assembly regulations; stay updated on legal changes affecting plant operations.

Background and Experience

• Education & Qualifications: Bachelors degree in mechanical, industrial, or automotive engineering; MBA or equivalent is a strong plus.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years in automotive manufacturing, including senior leadership roles.
• Technical Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of KD (CKD/SKD) assembly operations, including chassis, body, engine, and electrical system integration.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, JIT systems, process planning, line balancing, capacity/resource planning, and bottleneck management.
• Proficiency in automotive quality standards (ISO/TS 16949, IATF 16949), quality tools (FMEA, SPC, PPAP), and root-cause analysis methods.
• Expertise in supply-chain & logistics: inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, global sourcing, customs procedures, and supplier quality management.
• Strong grasp of HSE regulations (OSHA and local EHS), risk assessment, incident investigation, and sustainability practices.
• Competence in budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, CAPEX/OPEX management, and understanding of assembly cost drivers.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems, digitalization, automation, and sustainable green solutions for assembly plants.
• Certifications (Preferred): Lean Six Sigma, PMP, NEBOSH/OSHA safety training, APICS (supply-chain).

This position requires regular travel within Laos and overseas to meet business needs, and involves close interaction with both internal teams (Sales, Finance, HR, Service & Parts) and external stakeholders (OEMs, end customers, local suppliers, government bodies).

RMA Group is an equal opportunity employer, with a diverse group of colleagues globally representing different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. Our values of Innovation, Integrity, and Endurance are embedded in what we do, and we welcome applicants who are committed to respecting diversity of thought and living our values on a day-to-day basis.