Job Began Listed From: 27 Feb 2010
Job Close On: 27 May 2010
Confidential Position Specification
Director Asia Operations
- China -
Client
Our client is an industry leader and at the forefront of the safety and restraint technology, providing products and solutions to the Aerospace, Defense and Ground Transportation industries.  The company's products can be found in agricultural and off-road vehicles, child seats, military vehicles, and are supplied to the majority of the world's aviation aircrafts.
 
The company was born from the merging of 2 companies – a metal-to-metal buckle manufacturer and one of Europe's largest rope and net manufacturers.  Over the years, through internal growth and strategic acquisitions, the company has grown to have manufacturing operations and service facilities worldwide.
Job Description
In China, the company's design and manufacturing operation is located in Kunshan, Jiangsu and a second location in Chongqing focused on the overhaul, service and repair of products.
 
The client is looking for an extraordinary individual to join as Director of Asia Operations based in Kunshan, Jiangsu.  He / she will provide the direction, drive, and execute the company's global programs and processes to deliver high quality products and meet concurrent delivery dates and cost objectives.  This is a unique opportunity for the right person who is seeking:
 
  • Excitement and a management challenge in a dynamic, international environment.
  • Opportunities to develop individually in a growing global corporation.
  • Room to manoeuvre and increased scope for decision-making - empowered with full reign of authority and an opportunity to put in systems, processes, and technology.
  • Cooperative leadership with a highly motivated team.
  • Provided with proven manufacturing systems and expertise, strong support from headquarters.
  • The possibility to bring forward new ideas from conception through to implementation.
  • Living and working in one of the most fascinating regions of the world.
  • An attractive remuneration package with additional benefits.
Summary of Responsibilities
The Director of Asia Operations will be the number one person in Asia and have all staff in China reporting to him / her.  The incumbent will report directly to the Global President and have horizontal reporting lines to other senior staff in the USA and Europe. 
 
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
 
  • Must “own” the execution and future development of the business in Kunshan. 
  • Actively manage Process Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Operations (Production and Warehouse), and Supply Chain (strategic and day-to-day tactical issues) departments.  He / she will also be responsible for Finance & Accounting, Customs / Tax, HR and IT departments.
  • Shift the operating culture from “just get by” to one of automotive industry grade excellence (i.e. Toyota concepts).
  • Move the manufacturing operations towards a true ‘pull system' / single piece flow operation.
  • Drive and champion the implementation of Lean manufacturing and 5S concepts throughout the organization.
  • Formalize a Continuous Improvement program as part of Lean and drive it through the organization.
  • Identify areas of improvement and needed infrastructure to support Lean manufacturing initiatives.
  • Evaluate and make recommendations where necessary to the state of physical factories with regards to utilization, adequacy, and efficiency.
  • Monitor and predict rate readiness as market shares and production demands increase.
  • Utilize and promote a motto of “creativity before capital”.
  • Formalize a Process Engineering function, tied to Product Engineering, emphasizing mistake proofing.
  • Lead strategic planning and analysis by evaluating the organization's footprint in terms of ‘what we do, where, and why?'
  • Use thorough metrics to identify priorities and track improvements.
  • Evaluate and benchmark best practices of industry competitors and other relevant organizations and implement what is useful.
Work Experience and Abilities Required
  • Proven track record of at least 10 years experience in Manufacturing management, experience should include Administrative responsibilities, Shop Floor Operations, Warehouse, Quality and Engineering.
  • A minimum of 5 years working experience within an automotive manufacturing environment for a principal, US or European OEM or Tier 1 supplier.  Safety belt experience is highly desirable.   
  • Prior success designing and leading a turnaround of China operations.
  • Hands on working experience in a fast-paced Lean manufacturing environment, including prior experience successfully implementing Lean and 5S concepts.
  • Experienced and skilled manager and leader with a proven ability to hire, lead and motivate successful teams.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills as the individual will be the key point of contact in China.
Personal Characteristics and Skills
  • Optimistic, passionate, enthusiastic, with a “can do” attitude
  • Bias for action
  • Goal oriented, persistent and not defeated by obstacles
  • Strong work ethic
  • Open minded, eager and aptitude for learning
  • Strong interpersonal skills and works well with others at all levels - up and down line
  • Honest, trustworthy, high level of integrity
Education

Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering, MBA or postgraduate degree is highly desirable.
Language Ability
Bilingual in English and Mandarin, oral and written communication.  The incumbent will serve as the key point of contact between China / Asia and the US.
Compensation
The position compensation will be attractive and negotiable to the right candidate, comprising of a very competitive base salary supplemented by a performance oriented bonus opportunity, benefits and equity/stock participation.