Head of Manufacturing - Asia

Head of Manufacturing – Asia

Location: Hong Kong
Function: Supply Chain | Manufacturing & Distribution
Reporting to: Director of M&D, Asia Pacific
(Dotted-line: Director of Commercial Operations – Asia)
Travel: Regular regional travel and occasional global travel

About the Role

We are seeking a Head of Manufacturing – Asia to lead and elevate our regional manufacturing network across Asia.

Based in Hong Kong, this role will provide strategic leadership, governance, and performance oversight across multiple manufacturing sites, including joint ventures and partner-operated environments.

Operating through influence rather than direct authority, you will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, aligning regional capabilities with global Supply Chain strategy, and building high-performing, future-ready manufacturing operations.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring experience in complex, multi-country manufacturing environments, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead transformation across a diverse partner network.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Performance & Governance

• Accountable for manufacturing performance across Asia, ensuring delivery against agreed KPIs and operational standards.
• Establish and embed clear governance frameworks, performance metrics, and review cadences across JV and partner manufacturing sites.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, productivity enhancement, and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Provide strategic direction and constructive challenge to manufacturing partners to improve reliability, efficiency, and service performance.

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and deliver the regional manufacturing strategy aligned to global Manufacturing & Distribution and Supply Chain priorities.
• Drive the adoption of LEAN manufacturing, standard operating models, and best practices across the network.
• Identify opportunities for automation, scalability, and capability uplift to support business growth.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across all manufacturing environments.

Leadership & Influence

• Lead through influence in a matrix and joint venture environment, building strong, trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Act as a visible and credible leader, driving performance and transformation across manufacturing operations.
• Coach and support senior manufacturing leaders, contributing to talent development and succession pipelines across the region.
• Role model organisational values and leadership behaviours.

Joint Venture & Partner Management

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with JV manufacturing leaders and external partners across Asia.
• Provide governance oversight across performance, risk management, compliance, and contractual obligations.
• Represent Asia Manufacturing in governance forums and leadership meetings with professionalism and commercial credibility.
• Drive alignment between partner operations and long-term business and supply chain objectives.

Sustainability, Safety & Compliance

• Champion safety, ethical, and compliance standards across all manufacturing sites.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, labour standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Lead regional sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction and environmental impact improvements.
• Ensure robust audit frameworks, compliance processes, and continuous improvement of manufacturing standards.

Financial & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Own the Asia manufacturing budget, ensuring effective financial governance and cost control.
• Partner with global supply chain, product, planning, and logistics teams to drive end-to-end performance.
• Ensure strong alignment across manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution to optimise service and delivery outcomes.

Key skills and experience include:

• Proven senior leadership experience in manufacturing or supply chain within complex, multi-country environments
• Experience managing multiple manufacturing sites, including joint venture or partner-led operating models
• Strong expertise in LEAN manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in a matrix organisation
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget ownership and cost optimization
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills
• Experience in high-volume or regulated manufacturing environments is advantageous

Language requirements:

Fluency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin (spoken and written)