Manager IV, Operations Management

Position Overview Sigma Meltec, a subsidiary specializing in the manufacture of semiconductor photomask cleaning systems and chemical process equipment, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee end-to-end hardware production operations. This role is responsible for managing the complete manufacturing lifecycle, from production planning through customer delivery, while collaborating closely with R&D, contract manufacturers, suppliers, logistics partners, and data verification teams. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring operational excellence, schedule adherence, quality performance, and customer satisfaction. This position has been established as a succession role and includes an approximately one-year handover and on-the-job training (OJT) period with the current incumbent. Key Responsibilities 1\. Production Planning & Manufacturing Management * Lead production activities across multiple contract manufacturing partners throughout Japan. * Negotiate and manage manufacturing costs, engineering resources, production capacity, and delivery schedules. * Develop and execute recovery plans to address production delays, quality concerns, or other operational issues. * Oversee the complete manufacturing cycle, including design, production, testing, and evaluation activities (typically a three-month cycle). * Create production plans based on internal resource availability and contract manufacturer capacity. * Coordinate delivery schedules with Sales teams and end customers, including leading semiconductor device manufacturers. * Monitor production performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 2\. Supplier & Supply Chain Management * Forecast component requirements and establish procurement and supply plans. * Manage supplier relationships, including negotiations related to cost, delivery performance, and service levels. * Monitor supplier quality performance and ensure appropriate corrective and preventive actions are implemented. * Drive supply chain risk mitigation activities, including safety stock planning, recovery actions, 8D investigations, and CAPA programs. * Ensure uninterrupted material availability to support production commitments. 3\. Schedule Coordination & Operational Issue Resolution * Manage internal manufacturing processes, including system evaluation, product verification, inspections, and shipment readiness. * Coordinate cross-functional activities with: * Engineering & R&D for software debugging, integration testing, and design support. * Data Verification Teams for data collection, analysis, and validation. * EHS Teams to ensure inspections and compliance requirements are completed prior to shipment. * Allocate internal resources, including personnel, workspace, and equipment, to support production plans. * Analyze schedule deviations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions. * Support facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, production floor optimization, and 5S initiatives to improve efficiency and workplace organization. 4\. Operational & Team Support Activities * Manage inventory reconciliation and oversee warehouse inbound and outbound operations. * Coordinate component shipments from suppliers to contract manufacturers and ensure timely delivery. * Prepare and coordinate receiving activities for equipment returned from contract manufacturing sites. * Support daily operational activities to maintain smooth production flow and inventory accuracy. Leadership Development & Future Management Responsibilities * Participate in a structured one- to two-year transition period with the current manager. * Regularly visit suppliers and manufacturing sites to develop a deep understanding of production processes and operational challenges. * Build leadership capabilities to assume broader management responsibilities. * Progress toward leading the entire Operations function and managing future team members. Required Experience & Qualifications * Proven experience in Production Management, Manufacturing Operations, Operations Management, or Supply Chain Management within large equipment, machinery, or industrial manufacturing environments. * Strong supplier management and negotiation experience, including cost, delivery, quality, and service-related discussions. * Demonstrated project management experience involving cross-functional stakeholders. * Solid understanding of Bill of Materials (BOM) structures and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems. * Knowledge of logistics, warehousing, inventory control, and supply chain operations. * Strong financial acumen with experience managing costs, budgets, and payment controls. * Ability to work effectively within a global matrix organization and collaborate across multiple functions. * Business-level English communication skills, both written and verbal (English interview required). * Experience leading teams, coaching employees, and driving organizational performance through effective leadership. Preferred Qualifications * Experience managing production operations for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, factory automation (FA) systems, or other industrial machinery. * Experience coordinating activities among engineering teams, contract manufacturers, and external suppliers. * Familiarity with semiconductor industry manufacturing processes and operational requirements. Personal Attributes * Willingness to travel domestically to manufacturing sites and supplier locations. * Strong project leadership and stakeholder management capabilities. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Ability to influence and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders. * Results-oriented mindset with strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills. * Ability to balance speed, quality, and operational efficiency in a dynamic environment. ## Qualifications ### Education: Bachelor's Degree ### Skills ### Certifications: ### Languages: English (Re…

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