Job Began Listed From: 27 Feb 2010
Job Close On: 27 May 2010
Confidential Position Specification
Vice President of Operations
- China -
Client
The client is a rapidly growing producer of glass wine bottles for international markets.  The client has developed a range of molds, and contracts a glass manufacturing facility in Shandong Province to produce it's to its specifications.  It operates on a “just-in-time” premise to produce glass, custom pack and ship in container quantities to North America.  There are plans to expand into other regions, including Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa.  The strong consumer reception of the company has necessitated the appointment of a senior manager to oversee all aspects of the company's Chinese operations, including glass and carton manufacture, packing and shipping.
Job Description
The client is currently searching for a Vice President Operations to be based in Shandong Province.  This position is suitable for an individual who is seeking:
  • Excitement and a management challenge in a dynamic, international environment.
  • Opportunities to develop individually in a growing global corporation.
  • Increased scope for decision-making.
  • Cooperative leadership with a highly motivated team.
  • The possibility to bring forward new ideas from conception through to implementation.
  • Diversified international tasks with regular travel.
  • Living and working in one of the most fascinating regions of the world.
  • An attractive remuneration package with additional benefits.
Summary of Responsibilities
  • Manage the manufacturing organization with the objective of maximizing productivity, quality and  on-time delivery.
  • Develop the annual manufacturing plan and objectives to meet and support company goals.  Direct and monitor resources to accomplish goals set out in the manufacturing plan.
  • Develop key metrics to monitor and document progress against targets.  Establish targets for improvements in  quality, cost, and delivery.
  • Formulate and recommend operational policies and problem solve.  Guide the organization in maintaining and improving its cost savings, competitive position, productivity and profitability.
  • Ensure production and packing meets the correct specifications, is manufactured and delivered on time and in the quantity as agreed upon.
  • Coordinate printing plant/ glass factory/ pallet company/ shipping and trucking company to ensure quality and on time delivery to customers.
  • Manage quality, including:
    1. Ensure that all quality tests are completed during production of glass
    2. Ensure that cartons are on spec and properly constructed
    3. Ensure supervision of pack-out to ensure cleanliness, quality and accuracy of packing
    4. Ensure segregation of proprietary molds
    5. Ensure use of North American quality  materials and supplies
    6. Ensure that all pallets for shipping are properly wrapped and loaded onto containers.
  • Responsible for control, quality storage, and safeguarding of glass inventory.
  • Manage relationships with suppliers (glass, pallet, shipping company, local trucking etc.).
  • Explore and provide recommendations regarding any supplier change.  Test new suppliers/techniques (e.g. ACL).
  • Paperwork to ensure customs clearance.
  • Develop and prepare monthly operations reports including cost and delivery performance, , expenses vs. budget and other reports as required
  • Preparation of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts as directed by the Managing Director.
  • Approve for payment all expenses incurred in China.
  • Recruiting, training and retaining agreed and adequate support staff to execute the mandate.
Work Experience and Abilities Required
  • Track record of successful China operation management experience, evidencing increasing levels of leadership and managerial responsibilities with a minimum of 10 years manufacturing / operations experience and at least 5 years in a senior management role within multi-national companies in China.
  • A minimum of 5 years working experience within a US or European company and possess a strong understanding of "western" business style practices and processes. 
  • Hands on working experience in a fast-paced Lean manufacturing environment, including prior experience successfully implementing Lean and 5S concepts.
  • Must have experience in Just-in-time supply chains.
  • 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
  • A “man (woman) of action“, whose personality is characterized by an above-average focus on results and targets, and a high individual sense of responsibility.
  • Strong decision making abilities, communication skills and the ability to be flexible.
  • High integrity with the ability to manage complex topics.
  • Able to work under pressure in a concentrated and efficient manner.
  • Ability to focus on your customer and a high standard of quality service.
  • Ability to function with ambiguity without infrastructure support in a team culture.
  • Culturally adaptable and able to socialize at a senior level with vendors and customers.
Education
Successfully completed a degree in Business, Operations Management or related field.
Language Ability
Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English is mandatory.
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 and benefits where appropriate.