Manufacturing Operations Manager - Automotive Shizuoka

A global automotive connectivity technology manufacturer is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead assembly or stamping operations at its Kakegawa Plant in Shizuoka.

This factory leadership position is responsible for managing people, materials, and departmental finances to achieve production, efficiency, safety, and quality targets. As part of the factory management team, you will lead daily manufacturing operations while developing short-, medium-, and long-term production strategies that contribute to overall plant performance.

You will also drive workplace safety and continuous improvement initiatives, develop employees and future leaders, and collaborate with domestic and overseas stakeholders. This is an opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to take on a key operational management role within the automotive parts industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily assembly or stamping manufacturing operations to achieve production, efficiency, and quality targets.
• Manage departmental staffing, materials, and finances in collaboration with supply chain, procurement, and finance teams.
• Implement workplace safety management activities and maintain a safe manufacturing environment.
• Lead factory improvement initiatives to identify operational issues, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
• Develop and execute short-, medium-, and long-term production strategies and operational plans.
• Plan appropriate organizational structures and workforce requirements to support manufacturing objectives.
• Establish departmental targets and monitor operational performance against defined goals.
• Evaluate employee performance and conduct regular development discussions.
• Develop employees and future leaders while supporting succession planning.
• Contribute to overall plant performance as a member of the factory management team.
• Coordinate and negotiate with domestic and overseas departments to achieve operational objectives.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience managing a manufacturing operation with 20 or more employees.
• Practical knowledge and experience implementing workplace safety management within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience identifying production or operational issues, implementing improvements, and preventing recurrence.
• Experience developing and executing manufacturing or operational plans.
• University or technical college degree or higher.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Soft Skills:

• Strong leadership with accountability for departmental results and overall factory performance.
• Ability to plan systematically from a medium- and long-term perspective.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess operational issues objectively.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills when working across departments.
• Ability to explain manufacturing issues, recommendations, and decisions logically to domestic and international stakeholders.
• Strong people-management skills with the ability to develop employees and future leaders.

Language Requirements:

• Japanese: Fluent
• English: Fluent

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience managing manufacturing teams of 50 or more employees.
• Manufacturing operations management experience within an automotive parts manufacturer.
• Knowledge or practical experience in press forming, stamping, or connector manufacturing.
• Experience serving as part of a factory or plant management team.
• Basic financial knowledge relevant to manufacturing and factory operations.
• Experience collaborating or negotiating with overseas divisions.
• Experience working in manufacturing engineering or production engineering functions.

About the Company

A global connectivity technology manufacturer with an established presence in Japan. Its automotive business develops and manufactures connectors and electrical connection components that support vehicle safety, reliability, electrification, and autonomous driving technologies.

The company combines global engineering expertise with high-quality manufacturing and environmentally conscious production to support the continued transformation of the automotive industry.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Take a key factory leadership role with direct influence over production, safety, quality, efficiency, and employee development.
• Lead manufacturing operations within the evolving automotive and mobility industry.
• Build expertise in automotive connectors, assembly, stamping, and production management.
• Contribute directly to short-, medium-, and long-term factory strategy.
• Gain international exposure through collaboration and negotiation with overseas teams.
• Develop employees and future manufacturing leaders through structured people management and succession planning.
• Benefit from flexible working hours, with core time from 11:30 to 13:30.
• Enjoy 129-131 annual holidays, including weekends, national holidays, and seasonal breaks.
• Access retirement allowances, employee savings plans, meal allowances, transportation support, and an employee cafeteria.
• Receive support through maternity, childcare, family care, sick leave, and additional personal leave programs.
• Benefit from flexible work arrangements, including remote work/WFH where applicable, casual clothing, and minimal overtime.

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