General Manager (Greenfield Factory)

Mills Recruitment is partnering with a leading Chinese advanced electronics manufacturer to appoint a General Manager to lead the establishment of its new manufacturing operation in Malaysia, based in Penang, Malaysia.

About The Role

The Challenge

As the company establishes its first new manufacturing operation in Malaysia, lead the greenfield project from its current site selection and government approval stage through construction, commissioning, and production launch.

The Opportunity

Take full ownership of building the Malaysia operation from the ground up, working closely with China headquarters, Malaysian authorities, engineering partners, suppliers, and local stakeholders. After commissioning, transition into the leadership of the factory's day-to-day operations and long-term performance.

Compensation And Benefits

Market-aligned remuneration package based on your experience and expertise.

What You Will Do

• Lead the full greenfield factory project from site selection, government approvals, infrastructure preparation, and construction through equipment installation, commissioning, and production launch.
• Manage local contractors, suppliers, service providers, and consultants, including sourcing, commercial negotiations, contracts, and performance.
• Coordinate with Malaysian government authorities and relevant agencies on investment approvals, permits, licensing, environmental requirements, workforce matters, and expatriate arrangements.
• Build and lead the local organization, covering manpower planning, recruitment, HR processes, administrative support, and site operations.
• Oversee factory operations after commissioning, driving performance across production, quality, delivery, cost, efficiency, safety, and overall business objectives.

Who We Are Looking For

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or above in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline.
• Proven hands-on experience leading a greenfield factory setup in Malaysia, from site selection and government approvals through construction, commissioning, and operations.
• Experience managing a manufacturing team of approximately 100-200 employees, with a strong understanding of Malaysian workforce and labour relations.
• Experience in electronics, semiconductor, precision manufacturing, smart manufacturing, or a related high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Established network with Malaysian government authorities, contractors, suppliers, labour agencies, and professional service providers is highly valued.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong project coordination, commercial negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Good understanding of Malaysian investment, labour, environmental, licensing, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong operational and financial awareness, with the ability to manage project costs, risks, timelines, and factory KPIs.
• Fluent Mandarin and strong working English communication skills.
• Hands-on, resilient, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-border business environment.

Apply Now

If you're ready to lead the establishment of a new manufacturing operation in Malaysia and take it from the early project stage through to full factory operations, apply online now or send your latest CV to Danica Laxamana at [email protected].