Manufacturing Director (OEM Automotive)

The Manufacturing Lead is responsible for driving excellence across all production-related domains, including safety, cost, quality, process, equipment, logistics, and personnel. The goal is to build a lean, efficient, and high-performing plant that achieves zero accidents, zero defects, zero waste, and zero line stoppages—supporting the company’s sales and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning
  Develop and manage annual, quarterly, and monthly master production plans aligned with sales forecasts and inventory goals. Assess current capacity and plan for future needs, including layout design, construction, and launch of new lines or facilities.
• Safety & Compliance
  Implement and continuously improve systems for occupational health, safety, and environmental protection. Ensure full compliance with national and local regulations through audits, inspections, hazard mitigation, and incident investigations.
• Cost Management
  Oversee the production budget, ensuring adherence to corporate financial strategy. Drive cost reduction through process optimization, innovation, lean practices, and strategic procurement.
• Quality Assurance
  Maintain a robust quality management system that enforces corporate standards. Lead in-process inspections to ensure product compliance with internal and customer specifications.
• Process Optimization
  Develop and enforce process standards; evaluate and upgrade technologies to enhance automation and production capabilities. Collaborate with R&D to pilot new products and ensure smooth transitions to mass production.
• Equipment Management
  Oversee the lifecycle of all shop-floor assets, implementing Total Productive Maintenance to maximize uptime and minimize breakdowns.
• Logistics Coordination
  Work closely with Purchasing to ensure timely delivery of materials and parts. Manage inventory operations including receiving, issuing, and storage with accurate recordkeeping.
• Talent Development
  Design and deliver training programs focused on technical skills, safety, and career growth. Identify and develop key talent, implement performance evaluations, and foster continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Support company-wide initiatives and collaborate with other departments to achieve shared goals.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Manufacturing, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related fields.
  15+ years in vehicle manufacturing, including 5+ years in a plant leadership role at an automotive OEM.
  Proven success in launching at least two new models and ramping up production capacity.
  Experience in greenfield EV/HEV/PHEV plant construction is a strong plus.

• Technical Expertise
  Deep knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes (stamping, welding, painting, assembly).
  Skilled in quality control, equipment and cost management, and safety/environmental systems.
  Familiar with industry standards and regulations (IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, TPS, TPM, Lean Six Sigma, MES).
• Leadership & Execution
  Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially under pressure or in emergencies.
  Effective communicator and collaborator across internal teams and external partners.
  High ownership mindset with a drive for results and accountability.
• Certifications (Preferred)
  Six Sigma Black Belt / Master Black Belt
  IATF Internal Auditor
  Certified Safety Engineer
  Certified Energy Manager

If you're passionate about driving operational excellence and want to be part of a visionary team shaping the future of mobility, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to join a pioneering automotive manufacturer and lead the transformation of smart vehicle production.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.