Operations Manager - Plastics Manufacturing
On-site · Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Job Summary
Senior Operations Manager leading the cellulose acetate sheet production facility in Dongguan. Oversees end-to-end manufacturing performance, engineering management, utilities operation, and team leadership. Responsible for extrusion and thermo-press processes, controlling key process parameters (temperature profiles, pressures, line speeds, cooling rates, residence times), driving OEE, scrap reduction, and cycle-time optimization. Manages plant utilities (gas boilers, chilled water, HVAC, compressed air, power distribution), implements energy-efficiency initiatives, and coordinates preventive/predictive maintenance. Leads maintenance strategy for extrusion lines and ancillary equipment; conducts root-cause analysis for downtime events; plans capital investments and plant modifications. Ensures product quality and regulatory/EHS compliance (including Chinese regulations), aligns production with sales forecasts, and develops production, maintenance, and engineering teams; supports recruitment and onboarding and ongoing technical development. Bilingual in English and Mandarin; experienced in China-based industrial environments; able to read P&IDs and engineering drawings; knowledgeable in polymer processing and thermal systems.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, Materials Science, or equivalent discipline)
- Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations
- at least 3 years in a plant-level operations or production management role
- Experience in plastic extrusion, thermo-pressing, or related polymer processing technologies
- Experience managing industrial utilities (natural gas boilers, chillers, cooling towers, electrical distribution)
- Experience in Chinese industrial environment or multinational manufacturing organisation operating in China
- Strong knowledge of polymer processing principles; familiarity with cellulose acetate or similar thermoplastics is an advantage
- Understanding of thermal processes, heat transfer, cooling systems, and energy management
- Familiarity with industrial automation, PLC-controlled equipment, and process data analysis tools
- Ability to read P&IDs, plant layouts, and engineering drawings
- Knowledge of EHS and regulatory requirements in China
- Professional proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese
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