Head of Operations – Chemical Manufacturing, Eastern Thailand

A well-established manufacturing organisation to identify a seasoned Head of Operations to lead plant operations at a chemical production site in Eastern Thailand. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to oversee day-to-day manufacturing activities, strengthen operational performance, and build a strong performance driven culture and collaborative team environment. The successful candidate will work closely with regional leadership to drive operational strategy, improve production efficiency, and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. You will also play a key role in managing relationships with local authorities and labour unions while ensuring alignment between operational teams and corporate objectives. This position is ideal for a leader who is passionate about improving plant performance, developing people, and maintaining a culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. * Lead overall manufacturing operations at a chemical production facility in Eastern Thailand, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency across all departments. * Act as the primary contact point with external stakeholders and labour unions, maintaining effective external relationships and regulatory alignment. * Join an organisation that supports leadership development, encourages collaboration, and promotes sustainable operational practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage daily production activities to ensure compliance with safety standards while maintaining production efficiency and product quality.
• Apply expertise in chemical manufacturing to introduce initiatives that enhance productivity and minimise operational waste.
• Promote workplace organisation standards and visual management systems to maintain safe and efficient production environments.
• Coordinate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure production schedules, delivery timelines, and work orders are executed effectively.
• Serve as the primary liaison for regulatory interactions with relevant Thai authorities.
• Ensure operations remain fully compliant with evolving regulatory requirements and communicate updates to leadership and site teams as necessary.
• Review and streamline plant processes to ensure efficient order execution from intake through final product dispatch.
• Introduce standardised procedures and clearly defined workflows to improve operational efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
• Manage the plant’s operating budget in partnership with finance, monitor monthly performance indicators, investigate variances, and implement corrective actions where required.
• Oversee third-party manufacturing partners and contract production arrangements, including raw material handling, product shipment, quality monitoring, supplier assessments, compliance audits, and cost management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing manufacturing operations or production facilities in Thailand, ideally within the chemical or process manufacturing sector.
• Proven leadership capability with a strong focus on team development, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Strong understanding of Thai industrial regulations and requirements, customs procedures, import/export regulations, taxation frameworks, plant safety standards, and relevant labour laws.
• Experience working with labour unions and managing industrial relations within manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated strengths in strategic thinking, budgeting, and operational improvement across multiple departments.
• Solid project management experience, including coordinating initiatives involving cross-functional teams and external manufacturing partners.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships internally and with government agencies and external partners.
• Strong English and Thai communication skills, both written and spoken.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation is recognised for its commitment to operational excellence and the development of its people. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment where knowledge sharing and professional growth are encouraged.

The company promotes a supportive leadership culture and places strong emphasis on workplace safety, employee wellbeing, and long-term organisational sustainability. Leaders are provided with opportunities to influence operational strategy while working within a globally connected organisation.

The role offers exposure to a dynamic industrial setting in Eastern Thailand and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the performance and growth of a significant manufacturing operation.

What's next:

If you are ready to take on this influential role where your expertise will shape the future direction of manufacturing operations we encourage you to express your interest today!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—your next career chapter starts here.

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