General Manager (Job Code: 6188)

Job Title: General Manager – Thailand Plants
Reporting Line: Asia Managing Director
Location: Thailand

Company Background:
Our client specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sales of electric heating elements and temperature control systems. The company is part of an industrial group publicly traded on a European stock exchange, with manufacturing hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia. In China, the group has operated a plant in Shenzhen for approximately 20 years. To support business expansion, two additional plants have been newly established in Thailand. Their products are widely used in household appliances (white goods), small appliances, industrial equipment, automotive components (e.g., rear-view mirror heaters), and medical devices.

Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven General Manager to lead the operations of our two Thailand plants. The GM will be responsible for overall management, including production, quality control, supply chain, financial performance, and people development, ensuring alignment with the group’s strategic goals and reporting directly to the Asia Managing Director.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operations Management:Oversee daily operations of both Thailand plants, ensuring efficient production, on-time delivery, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
2. Strategic Planning:Develop and implement operational strategies to support business expansion, capacity utilization, and cost optimization.
3. Quality & Continuous Improvement:Maintain high product quality standards, drive lean manufacturing, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
4. Financial Accountability:Manage plant P&L, budgeting, cost control, and capital expenditure planning to achieve financial targets.
5. Supply Chain & Logistics:Coordinate with procurement, warehousing, and logistics to ensure smooth material flow and inventory management.
6. Team Leadership:Lead, mentor, and develop local teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
7. Cross-functional Collaboration:Work closely with Asia Managing Director and global functions (R&D, sales, HR, finance) to align plant operations with group objectives.
8. Customer & Stakeholder Management:Address key customer requirements, support quality audits, and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
9. Compliance & Risk Management:Ensure full compliance with Thai labor laws, industrial regulations, and group policies.

Key Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
2. Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Plant Manager, Operations Director, or General Manager).
3. Proven experience in managing multiple manufacturing sites, preferably in the electronics, components, or heating systems industry.
4. Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality management systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 is a plus).
5. Experience with P&L management, cost reduction, and operational KPIs.
6. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
7. Fluent in English (spoken and written); knowledge of Thai or Chinese is an advantage.
8. Willing to be based full-time in Thailand.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience working in a European or multinational manufacturing group.
2. Background in household appliances, automotive components, or medical device manufacturing.
3. Experience setting up or ramping up new plants.

What We Offer:

1. Competitive salary and performance-based bonus.
2. Expatriate benefits (if applicable) including housing, transportation, and insurance.
3. Opportunity to lead strategic expansion in a dynamic, fast-growing region.
4. Career development within a global publicly traded industrial group.