Production Manager

Job Description

The Production Manager is responsible for establishing, leading and continuously developing manufacturing operations within the Vietnam production facility.
As one of the first operational leaders on site, the Production Manager plays a critical role in the successful setup and ramp-up of the factory. The position is accountable for building production capabilities, recruiting and developing production teams, ensuring operational readiness, and delivering manufacturing performance aligned with Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost objectives.
Working closely with the Head of Local Operations and the Operations Development Manager, the Production Manager supports production transfers, industrialization activities, process stabilization, workforce development and the implementation of Stäubli manufacturing standards.
The role is instrumental in creating a sustainable manufacturing organization capable of supporting future growth and operational excellence.

Mobility: 5%-10% of time

Direct reporting: reports directly to the Head of Local Operations, Fluid Connectors

The role involves:
1. Manufacturing Leadership & Ramp-Up:
- Lead the setup and operational readiness of production activities within the Vietnam facility.
- Participate in production transfer projects from other Stäubli manufacturing sites.
- Ensure successful industrialization and ramp-up of transferred and new products.
- Define production organization, workflows, staffing models and resource requirements.
- Establish manufacturing standards, operating procedures and visual management systems.
- Drive achievement of production targets, efficiency objectives and delivery commitments.
- Monitor overall manufacturing performance and implement corrective actions when required.
- Support installation, qualification and commissioning of production equipment.
2. Team Building & People Development:
- Build the production organization through recruitment, onboarding and workforce planning.
- Develop production supervisors, team leaders and operators.
- Create a culture of accountability, ownership, teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Ensure skills development through structured training and qualification programs.
- Conduct performance reviews, development discussions and succession planning.
- Promote employee engagement and retention.
3. Production Operations Management:
- Manage day-to-day manufacturing activities.
- Ensure efficient utilization of manpower, equipment and production capacity.
- Coordinate production priorities with Supply Chain, Planning, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
- Monitor production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
- Ensure production resources are aligned with business growth requirements.
- Support Sales & Operations Planning (SIOP) processes through capacity and resource planning.
- Ensure the reliability, availability and performance of production equipment through effective maintenance strategies and practices.
4. Quality, Safety and Compliance:
- Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout the production organization.
- Ensure compliance with Stäubli EHS standards and local regulatory requirements.
- Ensure adherence to manufacturing quality standards and customer requirements.
- Lead problem-solving activities related to production and quality issues.
- Ensure effective implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Support customer, certification and internal audits.
5. Continuous Improvement
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and monitor KPIs related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Productivity.
- Identify and implement productivity and efficiency improvement opportunities.
- Support Value Stream Mapping, 5S and operational excellence initiatives.
- Drive waste reduction and process optimization projects.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with transferring sites to ensure successful knowledge transfer and process stabilization.
- Support operational reviews and strategic initiatives led by the Head of Local Operations.
- Contribute to the development of Vietnam Operations as a member of the site leadership team. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Managerial Responsibilities
- Build and lead the production organization in line with the site's growth roadmap.
- Recruit, develop and engage production teams to achieve operational excellence.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Drive team performance through clear objectives, coaching and talent development.
- Contribute as a member of the site leadership team and support cross-functional collaboration.
Nature and Scope of Responsibilities
- Accountable for the achievement of Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost (SQDC) objectives within the production area.
- Responsible for building and developing the production organization to support business growth and operational excellence.
- Leads a multidisciplinary production workforce and manages the associated resources and budget.
- Ensures alignment of production activities with site priorities and strategic objectives.
- Exercises autonomy in operational decision-making within the assigned scope and escalates major risks or issues when required.

 

Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management or related technical field.
• Manufacturing operations and production management in an industrial environment.
• Production ramp-up, capacity planning and resource management.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Quality systems, problem-solving techniques and performance management.
• Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) requirements.
• ERP and manufacturing information systems.

Skills:

• Leadership and team development.
• Manufacturing performance management (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).
• Workforce planning and organizational building.
• Project management and cross-functional coordination.
• Data analysis and decision-making.
• Effective communication in a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English and Vietnamese; proficiency in other language(s) like Chinese Mandarin is an advantage.

Abilities:

• Ability to build and develop a production organization from the ground up.
• Ability to lead teams through change, growth and operational challenges.
• Ability to prioritize and make decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across functions and organizational levels.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with a strong hands-on operational approach.
• Ability to develop people and foster a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively within a global, multicultural organization and collaborate with stakeholders across global functions.
• Ability to balance local operational needs with global standards, processes and business objectives

Company Description

Stäubli is a global industrial and mechatronics solution provider with three dedicated activities: Connectors, Robotics and Textile, serving customers who want to increase their productivity in many industrial sectors. We are an international group that currently operates in 29 countries, with agents in 50 countries on four continents. Our global workforce of 6000 shares a commitment to partnering with customers in nearly every industry to provide comprehensive solutions with long-term support. Originally founded in 1892 as a small workshop in Horgen/Zurich, today Stäubli is an international group headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland