Regional Operations Excellence and Lean Operation System manager

Objectives of the position
The Regional Operations Excellence and LOS Manager is responsible for defining and implementing an APAC-wide LOS (Lean Operation System) strategy that aligns with the global operations excellence roadmap. This role will drive continuous improvement initiatives, foster a strong Lean culture, and develop the organization’s LOS capabilities.

Key Competency

1. Ability to define an LOS strategy, communicate it effectively, and secure stakeholder buy-in.
2. Expertise in embedding Lean principles, coaching teams, and sustaining momentum over time.
3. Strong analytical skills for root cause analysis, problem-solving, and process optimization.
4. Proven ability to engage stakeholders, manage resistance, and drive cultural transformations.
5. Excellent communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
6. Demonstrated success in working effectively across different cultures and organizational levels.
7. Ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals collaboratively.
8. Data-driven decision-making to support continuous improvement initiatives.
9. Capability to mentor and develop site-level LOS managers, fostering organizational growth.
10. Proficiency in providing constructive feedback to individuals and teams for performance enhancement.
11. Strong change management skills to drive stakeholder engagement and address resistance effectively.

Key Responsibility

1. Develop and implement APAC Operations Excellence and LOS strategy, standardized methodologies, and tools in alignment with global strategy.
2. Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive regional Operations Excellence and LOS strategy that aligns with corporate objectives and site-specific needs.
3. Initiate and oversee Lean Administration projects to serve as benchmarks and facilitate knowledge sharing across APAC sites.
4. Conduct in-depth workflow analyses to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
5. Lead Kaizen programs (e.g., VGW, Kaizen events, etc) to foster a Lean culture in APAC.
6. Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and product management teams to execute LOS initiatives.
7. Identify and address training needs by designing and delivering targeted programs (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, TPM).
8. Mentor and coach site-level LOS managers and leaders to enhance capabilities and drive Lean culture adoption.
9. Coordinate APAC investments and Green & Red list framework for Machine.
10. Ensure technological alignment and standardization across APAC manufacturing sites.
11. Establish and maintain LOS maturity assessments to track progress and inform strategic improvements.
12. Monitor and analyze MOR KPI performance to drive data-backed corrective actions and improvements.
13. Monitor and encourage Operations cost savings initiatives across all buckets.
14. Provide strategic recommendations to the APAC CTO to address performance gaps and opportunities.
15. Promote best-practice sharing through the LOS Excellence Hub, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and drive process standardization across sites, ensuring consistency in best practice application.
16. Design and implement an LOS learning center to build a robust talent pipeline within the organization.
17. Facilitate workshops and hands-on training to ensure the practical application of Lean techniques.
18. Act as a change agent to install a continuous improvement mindset across all organizational levels.
19. Spearhead process digitalization initiatives in alignment with AI and industry trends.

Skills and Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years in a Lean leadership role.
3. Proven track record of implementing Lean methodologies (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, SMED, SFM, TPM) across multiple sites.
4. Strong knowledge of Lean & Six Sigma principles; certification as a Lean Expert or Six Sigma Black Belt is highly desirable.
5. Demonstrated experience in change management and leading cultural transformations.
6. Hands-on experience with VSM, process flow analysis, and root cause problem-solving.
7. Familiarity with digital tools and technologies used in manufacturing, such as MES, ERP, and data analytics platforms.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across different levels and functions.
9. Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
10. Willingness to travel extensively across the region, as required.

Expected Outcome

1. Measurable improvements in operations efficiency and Lean Administration capability.
2. A sustainable Lean culture driving continuous efficiency gains and innovation.
3. Standardized best practices and operational excellence across all APAC sites.

Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm
(Hybrid Available)