Operations Director - Automotive (Injection Molding, Painting)

About Our Client

The client is a leading lighting and wiring device manufacturer.

Job Description

1. Operational Leadership

• Oversee end-to-end manufacturing operations to ensure on-time, on-spec, and on-budget delivery of project- and order-based products.
• Ensure efficiency, quality, safety, and compliance standards are consistently achieved.
• Optimize resource utilization, plant layout, and workflows.

2. Change Management & Culture Building

• Lead the cultural shift from status quo to a continuous improvement mindset.
• Mentor and develop supervisors, engineers, and operators to build internal capability.
• Drive accountability, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration across teams.

3. Continuous Improvement & Systems

• Introduce Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and CI initiatives tailored for a high-mix, low-volume (project-based) environment.
• Modernize systems and processes, including ERP upgrade and digitalization of reporting and controls.
• Implement realistic, phased improvements to avoid disruption while ensuring long-term benefits.

4. Financial & Project Performance

• Manage operational budgets, cost control, and project profitability.
• Improve delivery reliability and reduce lead time while balancing customization requirements.
• Ensure efficiency in procurement, materials management, and project execution.

5. Leadership & People Development

• Lead operations, production, and project fulfillment teams.
• Build workforce capability to manage both standard production and customized projects.
• Mentor team leaders in balancing day-to-day operations with project delivery needs.

6. Strategic Initiatives

• Support company's growth by developing capacity planning strategies that balance project work and repeat orders.
• Recommend automation or technology investments that improve flexibility and reduce cost in low-to-medium volume production.
• Drive sustainability initiatives in materials and energy usage.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related). Master's degree / MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior operations leadership role.
• Strong background in plastic injection, sheet metal fabrication, painting, and assembly; experience in automotive / electrical components preferred.
• Proven experience in order-to-make / project-based manufacturing environments.
• Strong track record in change management, Lean / CI implementation, and ERP / digitalization projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution ability.

What's on Offer

• Work for a reputable local company
• Dynamic working environment

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