Plant Manager (Chemical)

A Thai manufacturer in the specialty chemicals and industrial coatings sector is seeking a Plant Manager (x1 vacancy) to oversee and integrate all core factory operations at their Samut Sakhon facility. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to join a senior leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO/President, where your expertise will shape long-term operational strategy and drive continuous improvement across the entire value chain.

What you'll do:

As Plant Manager at this leading specialty chemicals manufacturer in Samut Sakhon, you will be entrusted with full responsibility for integrating factory operations with supply chain management. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives that foster efficiency gains across every department under your remit. Your ability to mentor others will help cultivate a culture of accountability and shared achievement among mid-level leaders.

The package includes base salary + performance bonus + provident fund

• Oversee all aspects of plant operations including production scheduling, material planning, logistics coordination, and day-to-day manufacturing activities to ensure seamless workflow.
• Ensure that manufacturing output consistently meets or exceeds safety standards, quality benchmarks, cost targets, and delivery deadlines set by the executive team.
• Lead Quality Control initiatives by maintaining rigorous product compliance with both customer specifications and regulatory requirements within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• Drive continuous improvement programmes using lean methodologies such as Six Sigma and kaizen to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise resource utilisation throughout the plant.
• Direct supply chain management functions including inventory control, raw material procurement alignment, availability assurance, and delivery optimisation to support uninterrupted production.
• Supervise preventive maintenance schedules for all production equipment and utility systems to minimise downtime and maintain operational reliability.
• Maintain and continually improve Quality Management Systems (QMS) such as ISO 9001 or BRCGS through robust documentation practices and regular audits.
• Manage factory budgeting processes alongside OEE tracking, KPI measurement, and comprehensive reporting to inform strategic decision-making at the executive level.
• Mentor mid-level managers and supervisors by providing guidance, training opportunities, and feedback to build a high-performing team culture focused on shared goals.

What you bring:

To excel as Plant Manager in this dynamic environment, you will bring extensive experience from large-scale chemical or industrial manufacturing settings where you have successfully overseen complex operations involving multiple departments. Your background should reflect deep familiarity with regulatory compliance frameworks relevant to specialty chemicals as well as practical knowledge of modern process improvement techniques. You will possess outstanding people skills—enabling you to connect with colleagues at every level—and demonstrate an empathetic approach when guiding teams through change. Your analytical mindset will allow you to interpret operational data effectively while your commitment to nurturing others ensures ongoing professional development within your group. A passion for collaborative problem-solving combined with technical acumen makes you ideally suited for this influential leadership position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Chemical Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree would be advantageous for broader strategic insight.
• At least 12 years’ experience managing factory operations within chemical manufacturing or related sectors such as coatings or industrial production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams encompassing production management, quality control oversight, supply chain coordination, and equipment maintenance supervision.
• Comprehensive understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) like ISO 9001 or BRCGS along with hands-on experience implementing continuous improvement tools such as lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven track record in batch manufacturing processes including chemical blending or packaging operations within regulated industries.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems for effective operational data analysis supporting informed decision-making at all levels of plant management.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills enabling you to nurture talent within your team while driving positive cultural change towards operational discipline.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Thai or other regional languages would be considered beneficial for enhanced communication across diverse teams.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as a trusted name in specialty chemicals manufacturing across Southeast Asia due to its unwavering dedication to quality assurance, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business practices. Employees benefit from being part of an inclusive workplace culture that prioritises teamwork over hierarchy—encouraging open communication between all levels of staff. The company invests heavily in training opportunities so that everyone can grow professionally while contributing meaningfully toward shared objectives. Flexible working arrangements are available where possible to support work-life balance without compromising productivity or safety standards. As part of the senior leadership team here, you will find yourself surrounded by knowledgeable colleagues who value mutual respect and collective achievement above individual accolades—making it an ideal environment for those who thrive on connection and collaboration.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on a rewarding challenge where your expertise can truly make a difference in shaping operational excellence within specialty chemicals manufacturing, we encourage you to apply now!

Due to the high volume of applications, our team will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Robert Walters Recruitment (Thailand) Limited
Recruitment License No.: น. 1188 / 2551