Manager, Manufacturing - Malaysia

Working at Watlow Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years! Manufacturing Manager Location: Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah, Malaysia Reports to: Director, Operations About the Role We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Manufacturing Manager to lead our production operations at Kulim Hi-Tech Park. This role is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing activities, driving operational excellence, and ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently achieved. Key Responsibilities • Provide strong leadership, coaching, and direction to Production Team. • Lead and manage overall manufacturing operations to meet production targets and business objectives. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to enhance productivity and efficiency. • Ensure compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies. • Develop and implement strategies to optimize cost, reduce waste, and improve throughput. • Oversee workforce planning, training, and development of production teams. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance) to ensure smooth operations. • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions where needed. • Leading in product line setup and supports New Product Introduction to ensure smooth and scalable production readiness. • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to EHS standards. • Lead problem-solving efforts for production issues and drive root cause analysis. Requirements • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Science or a related field. • Minimum 8–12 years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role. • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and industrial best practices. • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies. • Proven leadership and people management skills. • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities. • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. • Proven experience in a high-mix, high-volume electromechanical assembly manufacturing environment. What We Offer • Competitive salary and performance-based incentives. • Opportunities for career growth within a dynamic organization. • Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies. • Collaborative and inclusive work environment. Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.