Factory Manager - Chemical

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

A leading specialty chemicals organization is establishing a new manufacturing facility in Vietnam to support regional business expansion across Asia Pacific. The company specializes in high-performance additives and chemical solutions serving multiple industries, including coatings, polymers, construction materials, and industrial manufacturing. The Vietnam operation will play a strategic role in ensuring supply reliability, local responsiveness, and operational excellence aligned with global standards.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Factory Setup & Industrialization

• Lead the end-to-end setup of the manufacturing facility in Vietnam, including plant establishment, equipment installation, process validation, and operational readiness.

• Ensure all systems, processes, and infrastructure are implemented in line with global standards and regulatory requirements.

2. End-to-End Operations Management

• Take full ownership of overall factory operations, covering production, supply chain management, engineering, quality, HSE, human resources, and finance.

• Develop and implement efficient production systems to ensure stable operations, high productivity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

3. Supply Chain & Logistics Excellence

• Establish and optimize supply chain processes including procurement, warehousing, inventory control, and distribution.

• Ensure cost efficiency, service level excellence, and strong integration with regional supply chain network.

4. Engineering, Maintenance & Technical Excellence

• Oversee engineering and maintenance functions to ensure equipment reliability and operational continuity.

• Drive preventive maintenance programs and continuous technical improvements across the plant.

5. Organization Building & Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing local organization across all functions.

• Recruit, train, coach, and retain key talents while fostering a strong performance-driven culture.

• Establish governance frameworks, KPIs, and performance management systems.

6. Strategy, Governance & Regional Alignment

• Represent the Vietnam entity and work closely with regional and global teams to ensure alignment with corporate strategy, standards, and compliance.

• Act as a strategic partner, translating business objectives into actionable operational plans.

7. Stakeholder & External Relations Management

• Serve as the key interface with government authorities, suppliers, and business partners.

• Ensure strong external collaboration to support sustainable and compliant operations.

8. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, improve quality, and strengthen operational resilience.

• Promote a culture of Lean, performance optimization, and operational excellence. 9. Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure strict adherence to all regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements related to chemical manufacturing.

• Proactively manage operational risks and ensure safe, compliant plant operations.

10. Reporting & Performance Management

• Report directly to senior leadership on operational performance, risks, and strategic initiatives.

• Provide clear visibility on KPIs, progress, and improvement roadmap.

REQUIREMENTS:

- Proven experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within Japanese or similar high standard multinational production environments.

- Strong background in chemical manufacturing or related industries with at least 8 years of relevant experience; exposure to specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings, inks, adhesives, textiles, or consumer chemicals is highly preferred.

- Demonstrated experience in setting up new manufacturing facilities or leading major plant expansion or transformation projects is a strong advantage.

- Solid leadership capabilities with experience in building and managing cross-functional teams in a multi-cultural environment.

- Strong knowledge of production management, supply chain operations, engineering systems, financial control, and regulatory compliance in manufacturing.

- Excellent problem-solving, project management, and decision-making skills with a results driven mindset.

- Ability to work effectively with regional and global stakeholders and translate business strategy into operational execution.

- Good communication skills in English; additional language capabilities such as Chinese are advantageous.