General Manager, Production

Position Overview

We are seeking for a high-impact, results-driven General Manager (Production) to lead production operations withing a large-scale precision manufacturing site of approximately 1,000 employees serving the Hard Disk Drive industry. Experienced and knowledgeable in Medical and other industries would be advantageous.

This is a high-impact production leadership role requiring a strong engineering depth, operational discipline, and the grit to drive performance transformation. The role requires a broad cross-functional exposure across Engineering, Technical Support/Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain and EHS, and the ability to work effectively with peer functional leaders.

1. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Lead daily production operations and work in close partnership with Engineering, Technical Support/Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain and EHS to ensure stable end-to-end manufacturing performance.
• Drive performance improvements in OEE, yield, scrap, cost, and on-time delivery, etc.
• Ensure production stability, process capability, and operational discipline.
• Instill a performance culture focused on accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving and crisis management, working through relevant peer functional leaders.

B. Technical & Manufacturing Process Excellence

• Partner with Engineering and Technical Support to strengthen industrial engineering, automation, equipment reliability and continuous imrpovement.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure robust quality systems, process discipline and compliance standards.
• Knowledge in CNC machining and precision manufacturing.
• Knowledge in Cold forging/ stamping processes.
• Knowledge in Surface treatment technologies.
• Knowledge in facilities maintenance and wastewater treatment experience would be added advantage.

C. Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Production transformation and strategic improvement initiatives aligned with the UTM roadmap, while contributing to cross-functional site transformation.
• Lead and inspire a workforce (ref: ~500 employees) through clear direction, engagement, and improvement.
• Champion operational excellence by establishing a Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen mindset, enabling teams to systematically eliminate waste, solve problems at root cause, and continuously improve performance.
• Build accountability and ownership across all levels of the Production organization.
• Build strong second-line leadership capablity.
• Drive cultural transformation toward ownership, discipline, and results orientation.
• Develop succession planning and talent development strategies within Production.

D. Financial & Business Exposure (MD Succession Track)

• Contribute to plant P&L management and budgeting through ownership of Production cost, productivity, yield, scrap and delivery performance.
• Participate in Capex planning and ROI evaluations, particularly for Production-related investments.
• Engage with key customers and strategic partners.
• Develop board-level reporting capability and executive communication maturity.
• Propose, draft and present business cases for the needs of UTM for capacity, capability, and for future expansion.

E. Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop second-line leadership bench strength.
• Build succession planning and organizational capability.
• Drive cultural alignment toward performance, discipline, and long-term growth.

F. Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with safety, environment, and regulatory standards in partnership with the relevant functional owners.
• Strengthen risk management and crisis response capabilities.
• Embed structured problem-solving and fact-based decision-making culture.

1. Leadership Attibutes

A. Leadership Profile

• Strong ownership mindset and accountability
• High resilience and determination
• Data-driven, structured decision-maker
• Able to lead under pressure and navigate complexity
• Strong communication skills from shopfloor to board leavel

B. Success Criteria

• Stabilise and improve key operational KPIs
• Demonstrate P&L ownership capability
• Build strong internal leadership bench
• Successfully lead at least one major transformation initiative
• Be assessed as ready successor for UTM Managing Director role.

1. Qualifications & Experience

A. Qualifications

• Minimum Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

B. Experience

• Proven leadership experience in precision manufacturing, with working experience for the last 10 years.
• High-potential candidate with strong leadership capability and growth mindset will be considered.
• Strong exposure to machining, cold forging, and surface treatment technologies.
• Experience managing large teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in operational improvement or transformation initiatives.
• Work experience in Malaysia Johor manufacturing operations would be preferred.

C. Business Acumen

• Understands plant P&L and cost drivers.
• Capable of driving performance and financial improvement.
• Able to support business needs and expansion for growth at UTM.

D. Working Condition

• Full-time working location in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
• Fast-paced, dynamic work environment requiring flexibility and adaptability.
• Some overseas travel may be required.