POET Technologies Hiring! Full Time Operations Manager in Pulau Pinang - Ricebowl

The Operation Manager leads Optical Engine assembly and test operations at the Penang site and is accountable for delivering production output, on-time delivery, quality, and cost targets. The role manages multi-shift production teams and a diverse base of assembly and test equipment, leads the production ramp to high-volume manufacturing (HVM), and grows the team to support production expansion. The Operation Manager also ensures disciplined material control and full system traceability and drives continuous improvement for long-term operational success.

Responsibilities

• Operational delivery: Own full accountability for production output, shipment, on-time delivery (OTD), yield, and quality targets for Optical Engine assembly and test operations.
• Shift leadership: Lead four shift teams through the shift supervisors, managing direct labour across POET and Contract Manufacturer; ensure consistent work standards, performance, and seamless shift handover in a 24/7 environment.
• Workforce planning: Plan manpower against the demand forecast; manage shift rosters, overtime, attendance, cross-training, and the skills matrix to keep the operation flexible and fully staffed.
• Production flow and priorities: Monitor production flow and WIP daily; set priorities with Planning and Supply Chain to meet customer commitments; run daily production meetings and escalate risks early.
• Material control and traceability: Ensure disciplined material control, including issuance, WIP, inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and handling of nonconforming material; adopt and enforce MES-based system traceability so every unit, lot, and component is tracked through assembly and test to shipment.
• Equipment management: Manage a diverse range of assembly and test equipment; drive equipment utilization, uptime, and OEE; partner with Equipment Engineering on preventive maintenance, calibration, and critical spare parts.
• Throughput and capacity: Analyze bottlenecks, cycle time, and line balance to optimize throughput; maintain the capacity model and recommend equipment and headcount investments to support growth.
• Quality of execution: Enforce work instructions, process controls, ESD, and cleanroom discipline; lead containment and root-cause corrective action (8D) for excursions; reduce scrap and rework; support customer and certification audits.
• Cost improvement: Continuously reduce product cost through labor productivity, yield improvement, scrap reduction, and consumables control; manage the operations budget.
• Continuous improvement: Build a Lean culture using 5S, kaizen, standard work, and Six Sigma tools; identify opportunities for automation and error-proofing.
• NPI transfer and ramp: Partner with NPI, Process, and Test Engineering to transfer new products into volume production and execute production ramps on schedule.
• KPIs and reporting: Establish and track operational KPIs (output, OTD, yield, OEE, UPH, labor efficiency, cost); report performance and action plans to local and global management.
• Safety and compliance: Ensure a safe workplace and compliance with EHS regulations, ISO quality and environmental systems, and customer requirements.
• People development: Recruit, coach, and develop supervisors, technicians, and operators; manage performance, including addressing poor performers; build succession plans and team engagement.
• Cross-functional and global collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, and global teams; represent Operations in local and global meetings.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Industrial Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree or MBA is an advantage.
• Operations experience: Minimum 10 years in manufacturing operations in electronics, semiconductor, or photonics/optoelectronics, including at least 5 years managing multi-shift production teams.
• Production ramp: Proven record of supporting NPI transfer and production ramp while meeting output, OTD, and quality targets.
• Improvement methods and standards: Strong command of Lean, Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt preferred), SPC, FMEA, and 8D problem solving, with working knowledge of ISO 9001, ESD control, cleanroom practices, and EHS requirements.
• Systems and data: Experience with MES and ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to drive data-based decisions.
• Leadership: Ability to build and grow a high-performing team, coach supervisors, and manage poor performers fairly and decisively.
• Personal attributes: Hands-on, results-driven, and calm under pressure, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills; able to support a 24/7 operation, respond to off-shift escalations, and travel occasionally.