Head of Production (Local Vietnamese Only)

Head of Production – Ceramics Salary: Competitive and based on experience Location: Vinh Long Keywords: ceramic production, lean manufacturing, quality systems, team development, cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, export leadership, premium products

A leading manufacturer in the ceramics industry is seeking a Head of Production to oversee and elevate their ceramic production operations in Vinh Long. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape both high-volume mass-market and premium product lines, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery. You will be empowered to build and nurture a skilled team, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborate closely with supply chain, procurement, technical design, and engineering teams. The organisation values your commitment to safety, compliance, and sustainable practices while providing an environment where your expertise in process optimisation and people development will be highly appreciated. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in a supportive setting that encourages growth and knowledge sharing, this is your chance to contribute meaningfully to a respected global player.

• • Oversee all aspects of ceramic production from material preparation through packaging, ensuring seamless operations for both large-scale and premium product lines.
• • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including supply chain, procurement, technical design, engineering, and logistics to optimise processes and deliver exceptional results.
• • Lead a motivated team with a focus on training, mentoring, succession planning, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a safe and compliant environment.

What you'll do:

As Head of Production – Ceramics you will play a central role in orchestrating the entire manufacturing process from start to finish. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve strategic planning of production schedules that accommodate both large-scale retail orders as well as bespoke premium batches. You will work collaboratively with various departments—ranging from supply chain to technical design—to ensure raw materials meet stringent specifications while optimising inventory levels. Your ability to foster teamwork among middle managers and shop-floor staff will be crucial as you champion continuous improvement initiatives rooted in Lean Manufacturing principles. By maintaining rigorous safety standards and upholding international quality certifications such as ISO or 5S methodologies, you will help secure the company’s reputation for excellence. Your analytical skills will be put to use in monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), preparing insightful reports for senior leaders, and identifying opportunities for further enhancement. Ultimately, your success in this role will be measured by your capacity to deliver reliable output at optimal cost without compromising on quality or compliance.

• Plan, organise, and control daily production activities across all stages such as material preparation, forming, firing, glazing, finishing, and packaging to achieve output targets while maintaining high standards of quality and cost efficiency.
• Manage complex production scheduling and line allocation to balance high-volume runs with smaller-batch premium orders without causing disruption or delays.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and process optimisation strategies to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and enhance productivity across diverse product lines.
• Set strict quality benchmarks for mass-market customers while delivering elevated finish, durability, and aesthetic standards for premium products.
• Work closely with Technical Product Design & Project Management teams to support product development initiatives and drive ongoing quality improvements based on customer requirements.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain functions on raw material specifications, supplier audits, S&OP meetings, inventory management strategies, and lead-time reduction projects.
• Partner with Operations/Maintenance, Engineering, Quality Control (QC), Planning, and Logistics departments to ensure facilities are maintained at the highest standard for reliability and operational excellence.
• Lead by example in training middle managers and production teams; mentor staff to build capability while promoting succession planning within the department.
• Ensure full compliance with safety regulations, health protocols, environmental guidelines, and international quality standards throughout all production processes.
• Analyse production data alongside supply-chain metrics; prepare clear reports for senior management while proactively driving visibility of performance trends and implementing improvement actions.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for Head of Production – Ceramics brings extensive experience managing complex manufacturing environments where both scale-driven efficiency and premium quality are paramount. Your background includes formal education in engineering or industrial management coupled with recognised certifications in process optimisation techniques like Lean Six Sigma. You have demonstrated success leading multi-line factories serving export markets—balancing the demands of mass-market retailers alongside those of discerning premium clients. Your collaborative approach allows you to work seamlessly with suppliers on material sourcing projects while also driving internal cost-saving measures. Deep technical understanding of ceramic processing steps means you can quickly identify root causes when challenges arise. You are adept at using modern production systems (ERP/MES) to monitor performance metrics while applying structured methodologies such as 5S or ISO standards. Above all else your empathetic leadership style fosters trust among team members; you invest time developing others so that everyone feels valued within the organisation. Proficiency in English ensures you can share insights effectively during cross-departmental meetings or when reporting outcomes internationally.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Management or related technical field is required for this position.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or equivalent process improvement qualification is highly regarded as it demonstrates your commitment to best practice methodologies.
• At least 7 years’ experience in export-oriented production leadership roles with a minimum of 5 years specifically within ceramics manufacturing environments is essential.
• Proven track record managing large-scale factory operations involving multiple lines and shifts is necessary for effective oversight of complex workflows.
• Experience balancing mixed production models—serving both high-volume mass-retail clients as well as lower-volume premium customers—is vital for this multifaceted role.
• Demonstrated expertise collaborating with sub-contractors/suppliers on material qualification programs as well as cost reduction initiatives adds significant value.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ceramic processes including mixing, forming, kiln firing, glazing and finishing ensures you can troubleshoot issues at every stage.
• Familiarity with advanced production systems such as ERP/MES platforms plus hands-on application of Lean Manufacturing tools (5S/ISO) supports operational excellence.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills are needed to motivate local teams in labour-intensive settings while nurturing talent through coaching and mentoring activities.
• Fluency in English (spoken/written) enables effective communication across departments locally as well as with international stakeholders.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out due to its unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship combined with operational excellence across both mass-market and premium product segments. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive workplace culture that prioritises safety compliance alongside professional development opportunities. The company invests heavily in training programmes designed to upskill staff at every level—from entry-level operators through middle management—ensuring everyone has access to resources needed for personal growth. Collaboration is deeply embedded into daily routines; cross-functional project teams regularly come together to solve challenges collectively rather than working in silos. The business also places strong emphasis on sustainability practices—minimising waste through Lean Manufacturing principles while adhering strictly to environmental regulations. As part of this forward-thinking team you’ll enjoy the satisfaction that comes from seeing your ideas implemented quickly thanks to supportive leadership who value open communication channels between departments. Whether you’re passionate about process innovation or people development there’s ample scope here for you to make a lasting impact within one of Vietnam’s most respected ceramics manufacturers.

What's next:

If you are ready to take ownership of an influential leadership role where your expertise will shape the future of ceramic manufacturing operations apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next career chapter awaits!

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