Global Director, Smart Manufacturing

Position: Global Director, Smart ManufacturingLocation: Guangzhou / Suzhou/ Shanghai / Hong KongPassionate about shaping the future of manufacturing & Supply Chain?We are hiring a Global Director of Smart Manufacturing for our client - MNC with over 50 manufacturing sites globally.This is a high-impact role where you will define the strategic roadmap, champion innovation and lead a global team to unlock new levels of efficiency, agility and performance across global footprint.As a key member of our global leadership team, you will be responsible for:Strategy & Roadmap: Defining and executing a multi-year digital transformation roadmap, building a standardized and scalable digital ecosystem for our global operations.Technology Championing: Spearheading the global deployment and adoption of advanced technologies including MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), APS (Advanced Planning & Scheduling), IoT, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), AI/ML, and industrial automation.Operational Excellence: Driving culture change by embedding Enterprise Lean Sigma (ELS), continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making at all levels.Innovation Leadership: Identifying and guiding strategic manufacturing process innovation programs to unlock new capabilities for both current and future-state platforms.Global Leadership: Leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing global team of 50+ subject matter experts across digital manufacturing, supply chain systems, and lean excellence.Financial Stewardship: Managing a significant annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) budget of US$20MM+ targeted at manufacturing process improvement and innovation.Stakeholder Alignment: Partnering with regional and business leaders to ensure cross-functional alignment, standardized processes, and unified performance metrics.What You Bring (Qualifications):A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in global manufacturing and supply chain roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position directly driving digital transformation.A proven track record of leading complex, multi-site digital transformation initiatives within a global, matrixed organization.Deep, hands-on expertise in manufacturing and supply chain technologies (e.g., MES, ERP, SAP, APS, IoT, IIoT, SCADA, AI/ML).Strong foundational knowledge in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.A strategic mindset with a demonstrated ability to translate a long-term vision into an executable roadmap that delivers measurable business outcomes and ROI.Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and align diverse stakeholders across cultures and functions.A strong technical background; a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Supply Chain is preferred. An advanced degree (MBA, MS) is highly desirable.Willingness and flexibility to travel globally as needed.Experience in a customized or configure-to-order business is a significant plus.