Our client is a European industrial technology group with a specialised manufacturing footprint across multiple continents and known for complex, precision-driven production in high-mix, low-volume environments. The group has recently completed a strategic acquisition in Malaysia and is now looking to expand production capabilities and further grow the business in the region. The Malaysian site, approximately 200 employees, is a strategically important node in the group’s global operations. For their Malaysian manufacturing site, our client is seeking an experienced and decisive:
SITE MANAGING DIRECTOR
HMLV Manufacturing for Semiconductor Industry - Penang
Responsibilities:
- Is responsible for the operational performance, organisational effectiveness and governance of the Malaysian manufacturing site (approx. 200 employees).
- Leads the ramp-up of the site and the expansion of its production capabilities, including the transfer of production from Europe to Malaysia.
- Acts as the statutory director of the legal entity, including legal representation and signing authority.
- Operates within a Group-led governance model; translates Group-approved commercial and strategic decisions into predictable, efficient and scalable operations.
- Reports to the Group CEO and works in close alignment with the Senior Business Development Lead SE Asia to ensure commercial objectives are effectively executed.
- Holds end-to-end operational responsibility for Production, Process Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Customer Service; drives KPI-based performance management and operational excellence.
- Responsible for operational cost control, efficiency and margin realisation; manages working capital (inventory, throughput, lead times) and provides transparent reporting to the Group.
- Acts as statutory director of the Malaysian entity; ensures compliance with local legislation, corporate requirements, audit readiness, certifications and EHS standards.
- Builds and develops a capable local management team; drives engagement, talent retention, succession planning and a performance-oriented organisational culture.
- Operates effectively within a matrix organisation, ensuring integration and performance of local HR, Finance and IT functions reporting into their respective Group functions.
- Provides input to the Group on capacity, scalability and operational footprint to support the long-term development of the site.
Profile Requirements:
- Bachelor degree in Engineering or related.
- 15+ years of experience in manufacturing environments, including experience in production transfer
- Experience in leading a 150–300 FTE site in a high-mix, low-volume context.
- Strong background in operational excellence and performance management.
- Experience in operating within an international group structure with centralised decision-making.
- Proven ability to execute within defined governance frameworks.
- Strong leadership and organisational development capability.
- Prior experience as statutory director of comparable legal responsibility is a strong advantage.
- Experience operating in a matrix organisation with functional reporting lines is strongly preferred.