Director Operations I

Key Accountabilities:

• Digital Transformation Leadership
• Define and execute a 3–5 year Manufacturing Digital Transformation roadmap, including Industry 4.0 initiatives, smart factory technologies, automation and AI-driven process optimization.
• Drive integration of advanced analytics and digital tools into core operations to enable data-driven decision-making.
• Champion the adoption of Industry 4.0 principles to enhance operational efficiency, quality, and predictive maintenance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of digital initiatives with business strategy and customer requirements.
• Monitor progress and measure impact of digital transformation projects on SQDC performance metrics.
• People Development & AI Capability Building
• Design and implement structured people development programs to build digital skills and AI literacy across all levels of the operations team.
• Develop a robust talent pipeline for future-ready roles by integrating AI, data analytics, and Industry 4.0 competencies into training and career development plans.
• Mentor and upskill leadership and workforce on data-driven decision-making and continuous learning in digital technologies.
• Foster a culture of innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning in digital technologies.
• Strategic Operations Planning
• Integrate digital transformation goals into the long-term operational strategy, aligning with business growth and global competitiveness.
• Secure and manage required resources (CAPEX, OPEX, and talent) to enable successful execution of strategic plans.
• Deploy and Cascade Donaldson EHS and Sustainability Policy, deploy EHS framework along with global EHS leadership team.
• Instill EHS culture to entire operations team, continues reduce and eliminate the hazards and risks where applicable and maintain a safe work environment and compliance with all appropriate regulations.
• Develop and execute the operational strategy, policies, and procedures to ensure alignment with the company's long-term business goals, particularly in the high-volume, high-precision HDD industry.
• Continuously assess market trends, customer requirements, and technological advancements to adapt and refine operational strategies.
• Operational Excellence with Technology
• Leverage digital tools, automation, and AI-driven solutions to continuously improve SQDC performance metrics.
• Implement continuous improvement projects using digital tools and predictive analytics.
• Drive process standardization and automation projects to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.

Key Qualifications & Requirements:

Education Qualification:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical) or Business/Operations Management.

Minimal 10+ years in senior Operations / Manufacturing leadership and operations leadership experience, with 5+ years at the Director level or above.

Technical Competence & Skills:

• Strong expertise in manufacturing operations, supply chain, and engineering leadership.
• Proven experience in digital transformation, including smart factory technologies, IoT, automation, and AI-driven process optimization.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 principles, predictive analytics, and advanced manufacturing systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen for CAPEX/OPEX planning and ROI analysis of technology investments.

Leadership Competence:

• Ability to lead large-scale transformation projects and manage change effectively.
• Strong people development skills, with experience in building digital and AI capability frameworks.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills to align cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability.
• Delegation & Motivating others.

Relevant Experience:

• Experience in high-volume, high-precision industries such as Disk Drive, Microelectronics manufacturing.
• Minimum of 10 years manufacturing industrial operations leadership roles, with at least 5 years at Director level.
• Demonstrated success in implementing automation and digital initiatives in complex manufacturing environments.

Others:

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Fluent in English and Thai language proficiency is an advantage.