Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change
Connected Group ·www.connectedgroup.com
Apply directThe successful candidate will work closely with supplier partners, engineering teams, sourcing functions, and senior leadership to build a more productive, resilient and technology-driven manufacturing ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Transformation Strategy
- Develop and implement a multi-year automation and digital transformation roadmap across regional manufacturing operations.
- Define strategies to improve productivity, operational flexibility, quality performance, and supply chain resilience.
- Identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities throughout the manufacturing network.
- Partner with executive stakeholders to align manufacturing capabilities with future sourcing and geographic diversification plans.
- Establish a long-term vision for smart manufacturing, automation, robotics, AI, and data-driven operations.
Automation & Advanced Manufacturing
- Lead implementation of automation initiatives across manufacturing partners, including:
- Injection molding automation
- Robotic handling systems
- Automated assembly solutions
- Vision inspection technologies
- Packaging automation
- Collaborative robotics
- Smart factory applications
- Evaluate emerging technologies and identify scalable solutions for broader deployment.
- Develop business cases and ROI analysis for automation investments.
- Standardize best practices and drive implementation across multiple manufacturing sites.
Supplier Capability Development
- Act as the organization's senior manufacturing transformation advisor to external manufacturing partners.
- Build strong relationships with factory leadership teams and operational stakeholders.
- Establish assessment frameworks covering:
- Automation maturity
- Digital capability
- Operational excellence
- Capacity scalability
- Workforce dependency
- Manufacturing resilience
- Guide suppliers in identifying and prioritizing transformation initiatives.
- Develop capability-building programs that support long-term operational improvement and technology adoption.
Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Lead and develop a regional Manufacturing Continuous Improvement team.
- Establish governance and standardized methodologies for operational excellence programs.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and productivity initiatives.
- Build technical capabilities within both internal teams and supplier organizations.
- Foster a performance-driven culture focused on measurable business outcomes.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 15 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
- At least 8 years leading large-scale transformation, automation, or operational excellence initiatives.
- Demonstrated success implementing automation solutions within high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Strong supplier-facing manufacturing experience.
- Deep expertise in:
- Plastic injection molding
- Manufacturing engineering
- Assembly operations
- Factory automation
- Lean Manufacturing
- Proven track record developing multi-site improvement strategies and delivering measurable business impact.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and external partners.
- Willingness to travel extensively across Asia.
- Experience within consumer products, toys, electronics, promotional merchandise, or contract manufacturing sectors.
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 and smart factory implementations.
- Experience applying AI technologies within manufacturing environments.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent operational excellence certification.
- Familiarity with manufacturing operations across China and Southeast Asia.
- Fluency in English and Mandarin.
- Open for Hong Kong / Shenzhen as work location.
Frequently asked questions
Who is hiring for the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role?
Connected Group is hiring for the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change position, a Shazamme client. Apply directly on the employer's career site.
Where is the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change job located?
The Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role with Connected Group is based in Hong Kong or Shenzhen, HK.
What does the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role pay?
Connected Group lists the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role at HKD 100,000–110,000 per year.
Is the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role full-time or contract?
This is a full time position at Connected Group.
What experience level is the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role?
The Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change position is aimed at director-level candidates.
How do I apply for the Senior Director, Manufacturing Excellence, Automation & Change role at Connected Group?
Apply directly on Connected Group's career page via the Apply button on this listing. ZammeJobs links straight through to the employer's ATS — no third-party form, no resume database.