Operations Manager

About GFB Hongli:

GFB Hongli Sdn Bhd is a joint venture under the Automotive Division of Globaltec Formation Berhad, specializing in the manufacturing and assembly of leaf springs for heavy vehicle suspension systems.

Our operations are primarily export-oriented, with a strong focus on the North American market. We are supported by our JV partner in China, bringing more than 20 years of technical and manufacturing experience in leaf spring production.

As we expand our manufacturing operations in Malaysia, we are seeking an experienced and hands-on Operations Manager to lead our plant operations and drive operational excellence.

About the role:

The Operations Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day manufacturing and production operations of the leaf spring facility, ensuring that production is carried out safely, efficiently, cost-effectively, and in accordance with required quality standards.

The successful candidate will oversee the complete manufacturing process, including production planning and control, leaf spring manufacturing processes, production equipment, preventive and corrective maintenance, quality assurance, manpower, productivity, cost control, and continuous improvement.

A key responsibility of this position is to ensure that the plant, its manufacturing processes, and its quality systems operate in compliance with ISO/TS 16949 automotive quality requirements and applicable customer, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

This is a hands-on leadership position suited to an experienced manufacturing professional who is comfortable working on the factory floor, resolving operational and technical issues, developing people, and continuously improving plant performance.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the overall manufacturing and production operations for leaf springs, ensuring achievement of production, quality, delivery, safety, productivity, and cost targets.
• Oversee the complete leaf spring production process, including relevant processes such as material preparation, heating, forming, heat treatment, quenching, tempering, shot peening, assembly, finishing, inspection, testing, and packing, as applicable to the plant's manufacturing process.
• Ensure production equipment and machinery are maintained in reliable operating condition through effective preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programmes, minimizing equipment breakdowns and production downtime.
• Establish and monitor appropriate equipment maintenance schedules, spare-parts requirements, machine performance, equipment reliability, and maintenance records.
• Ensure manufacturing processes, operational controls, documentation, inspection, traceability, and quality practices comply with ISO/TS 16949 requirements, customer specifications, and applicable automotive industry standards.
• Work closely with the Quality team to address non-conformities, customer complaints, process deviations, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
• Develop and manage production plans, manpower requirements, machine capacity, production schedules, material flow, and operational resources to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Monitor key operational KPIs, including production output, OEE, productivity, scrap and rejection rates, machine downtime, yield, quality performance, on-time delivery, and manufacturing costs.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, waste reduction, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the plant.
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement practical improvements to increase capacity, efficiency, product consistency, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure strict compliance with workplace safety, environmental, and statutory requirements, particularly for manufacturing processes involving furnaces, heat treatment, heavy machinery, and material handling.
• Recruit, develop, train, and lead production, maintenance, and operational personnel, building a disciplined, technically capable, safety-conscious, and performance-driven team.
• Develop and control operational budgets, manufacturing costs, maintenance expenditure, capital requirements, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Support the setup, commissioning, ramp-up, stabilization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and production lines as the company's Malaysian operations expand.
• Coordinate closely with the company's JV partner in China on manufacturing technology, equipment, processes, technical improvements, quality matters, and operational best practices.
• Maintain effective working relationships with suppliers, customers, contractors, and other stakeholders to support production continuity and customer satisfaction.
• Provide regular operational reports and recommendations to Management on plant performance, production status, quality, maintenance, costs, risks, and improvement priorities.

About you (Requirement):

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of manufacturing experience, including at least 3–5 years in a plant, operations, production, engineering, or manufacturing leadership role.
• Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience in automotive components, leaf springs, suspension components, steel forming, heat treatment, or heavy vehicle component manufacturing.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in managing manufacturing operations and production equipment, including preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, downtime reduction, and equipment performance improvement.
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes involving heating, forming, quenching, tempering, heat treatment, or spring steel processing would be a strong advantage.
• Good working knowledge of ISO/TS 16949 automotive quality management requirements and associated manufacturing quality controls.
• Experience in production planning, capacity management, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in setting up, commissioning, ramping up, or scaling manufacturing operations will be highly advantageous.
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities, with the ability to develop teams and establish a disciplined, accountable, and performance-oriented manufacturing culture.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills, with a practical and hands-on approach to factory operations.
• Good communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proficiency in Mandarin is an added advantage due to regular technical and operational communication with our joint venture partner in China.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary package with attractive benefits.
• Opportunity to take a key leadership role in developing and growing an automotive manufacturing operation in Malaysia.
• Exposure to international manufacturing practices and collaboration with our experienced JV partner in China.
• Opportunities for professional development, technical learning, and career growth.
• A supportive, collaborative, and performance-driven working environment.