Manager Operations

Manager Operations

Location:

Tapah

At Sibelco, we advance life through materials.
For over 150 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in sourcing, transforming, and distributing specialty industrial minerals. Our work powers progress across industries as diverse as glass, ceramics, construction, coatings, polymers, and water purification. Beyond our materials, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering people from all walks of life to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Are We the Perfect Match?

At Sibelco, we believe building a successful career is a two-way journey. We’re looking for individuals who share our values and vision, just as much as you’re seeking a company that aligns with your aspirations. Together, we can shape the future.

Job Description:

About the Role

As Manager Operations, you will have overall responsibility for the operations and performance of the Tapah plant, covering key areas including production, mining, maintenance, logistics, health, safety and sustainability.

You will lead the plant team to deliver agreed operational and financial targets while ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements and operational standards. You will also work closely with senior management to contribute to the plant's short- and long-term goals and priorities.

Your Responsibilities

Plant & Financial Performance

• Take accountability for plant financial performance and manage plant costs within agreed budgets and targets.

• Lead the plant budgeting and forecasting process and ensure effective monitoring of financial and operational performance.

• Manage key cost areas including plant expenses, inventory, CAPEX and people-related costs.

• Establish and monitor plant KPIs, business plans and performance targets.

• Lead regular plant performance reviews and ensure timely reporting and follow-up actions.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, develop and manage the plant operations team to build strong capability and performance.

• Support workforce and succession planning, talent development, retention and training.

• Foster an engaging and inclusive working environment that promotes empowerment, collaboration, employee wellbeing and continuous improvement.

• Work closely with HR on workforce and employee relations matters, including engagement with employee representatives where applicable.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement to enhance plant performance through process optimisation, resource and energy efficiency, waste reduction, throughput improvement and quality optimisation.

• Promote Lean Manufacturing and Maintenance Excellence across the plant.

• Ensure high plant availability through effective preventive and predictive maintenance.

• Manage plant engineering projects and support relevant technical and product development initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with applicable quality management standards and requirements.

Strategy & Inventory Management

• Provide plant-level input into cluster strategy and support the Director Cluster Operations on operational priorities and execution.

• Manage inventory effectively, including raw materials, finished products and by-products, and optimise working capital through appropriate stock control and reconciliation.

• Optimise the utilisation of plant storage capacity based on customer requirements and production plans.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Sibelco Life Saving Rules and all relevant health and safety requirements.

• Take accountability for HSE performance across the plant and ensure compliance with applicable legal and permit requirements.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, policies and standards.

• Maintain appropriate plant documentation, quality records and operating procedures.

• Maintain a safe, clean and well-organised working environment.

Collaboration

• Represent Operations in cross-functional discussions at plant level.

• Work closely with the Commercial team to meet customer quality, specification and delivery requirements, support product-related matters, and ensure effective handling of customer feedback and complaints.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and the local community.

About You

• You are an experienced operations leader with strong knowledge of plant operations, people management and financial performance in an industrial environment. You are comfortable taking ownership, making decisions and leading teams through operational challenges and change. You will ideally bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining, Mineral Processing, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Technology or a related discipline.

• 10+ years of industry experience, ideally within mining, mineral processing, manufacturing, minerals or the chemical industry.

• Strong experience in people leadership and management.

• Good understanding of plant operations, maintenance and continuous improvement.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and operational improvement.

• Good financial and business acumen.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Experience managing change and making decisions in complex operational environments.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across functions and levels.

• Previous experience with P&L responsibility would be an advantage.

Languages

• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

• Proficiency in the local language required for the operation.

• Additional languages are an advantage.

Employee Type:

Permanent

Why Join Us?

Sibelco is more than a workplace—it’s a community that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

• Meet Our People: Careers

• Learn About Our Recruitment Process: Learn More

• Discover Our Sustainability Goals: Sibelco priorities

We also welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support you through the selection process.

How to Apply

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook to learn more about life at Sibelco. Submit your application in the Apply option.

Please note: We do not require agency services as we have a dedicated Global Talent Acquisition Team.