Production Manager

Company Description

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industrial manufacturing. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation sector toward greater environmental compatibility. With more than 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.76 billion in 2024.

Job Description

The Production Manager leads and optimizes day-to-day manufacturing operations to achieve production targets safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with Sika’s quality standards. The role is accountable for operational performance, EHS compliance, continuous improvement, and the development of effective production and supervisory teams.

Production and Operational Excellence

Direct and optimize daily batching, mixing, filling, and packaging operations for specialty chemicals and construction materials. Manage production schedules, raw material requirements, and the receipt and accurate SAP recording of packaging and raw materials in coordination with Planning, Procurement, and Supply Chain. Monitor production output against plan, yield loss, cycle time, and manufacturing costs, and lead Lean, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Safety, Health and Environment

Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable Malaysian regulatory requirements, including DOSH/JKKP and DOE/JAS requirements, as well as Sika EHS standards. Ensure hazardous chemicals and raw materials are handled, stored, and disposed of correctly. Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented and followed through.

Quality and Process Assurance

Work with Quality Control and Technical teams to ensure finished goods meet product specifications and ISO 9001 requirements. Establish and maintain effective standard operating procedures for shift teams, while reducing batch rework and scrap.

Leadership and People Development

Lead, coach, and assess supervisors and general workers. Plan manpower allocation, shift structures, and skills-matrix training, while strengthening coordination among Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, Quality Control, and other relevant functions.

Maintenance and Asset Management

Coordinate with the Maintenance Manager on preventive maintenance schedules to minimize unplanned downtime. Support equipment overhauls, automation upgrades, and capital expenditure installation projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Seven to ten years of manufacturing experience, including at least three to five years in a supervisory or managerial role within chemical processing, building materials, paints and coatings, or a comparable process-manufacturing environment.
• Practical experience with batch mixing or blending equipment, automated filling lines, pumps, ERP or MRP systems, and SAP is preferred.
• Sound knowledge of process safety, chemical safety standards, Lean manufacturing, 5S, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, planning, and cross-functional communication capabilities.
• Proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and English, with the ability and willingness to be based at the Nilai plant.

Additional Information

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.