Vietnam Operations Manager

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Plant & Operations Management:

• Oversee the entire cutting, sewing, finishing, and packaging operations, ensuring in line operator quality, on-time, and cost-effective production.

• Develop and implement lean manufacturing principles, automation strategies, and process improvements.

• Manage plant capacity planning and proactively address production constraints.

• Manage workforce and training programs to pace with seasonal volume fluctuations.

• Ensure smooth coordination between production, supply chain, human resources, finance, maintenance, quality, and logistics teams.

• Lead cost-saving initiatives to improve margins without compromising product quality.

Production & Efficiency Optimization:

• Establish and monitor KPIs for production output, efficiency, quality, and labor performance.

• Coordinate teams to balance lines and best utilize equipment capacity.

• Implement continuous improvement strategies (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen) to enhance productivity.

• Drive automation and digital transformation initiatives to modernize operations.

• Ensure the plant meets US and international compliance and sustainability standards.
• Champion process optimization efforts to enhance efficiency through systemized solutions.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

• Enforce strict quality control processes to meet customer and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure compliance with local labor laws, safety regulations, ethical sourcing, and environmental standards.

• Work with the Product Development and technical teams to enhance product quality and consistency.

Maintenance & Facility Management:

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs for all machinery and infrastructure.

• Ensure optimal functioning of cutting, sewing, and finishing equipment to minimize downtime.

• Maintain a safe and compliant work environment with proper facility upkeep and hazard control.

Workforce Leadership & Culture Development:

• Lead and develop a large workforce (300+ employees preferred), including supervisors, line managers, and factory workers.

• Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.

• Implement training and upskilling programs for employees to improve efficiency and retention.

• Build strong labor relations, ensuring employee satisfaction while maintaining operational goals.

• Conduct and document plant staff performance reviews.

Required Qualifications

Education

·        BS in Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or similar relevant field.  

Experience

·       10+ years of leadership experience in cut & sew manufacturing, textile production, or other manufacturing operations. 

• Experience preferred with U.S. retail compliance requirements including, but not limited to, SMETA, GRS certification, OTIF standards, and brand packaging compliance standards. 

• Proven track record in plant management, production planning, and workforce leadership. 

• Experience in equipment maintenance, facility operations, and production automation. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization. 
• Familiarity with international compliance standards (BSCI, WRAP, ISO, etc.). 

• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and P&L management. 

• Excellent communication skills in English and Vietnamese. 

• Proficiency in ERP/MES systems, production tracking, and data-driven decision-making. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous experience with a foreign investment company that manufactures and exports goods. 

Working Conditions

Environment 

• Primary duties and work location assigned to the factory floor (75%) at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam plant. 

• Travel to the United States may be requested in limited instances. 

Essential physical requirements 

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and sitting at a desk working on a computer.