Plant Manager

THIS POSITION IS BASED AT KLK HARDWOOD FLOORING SDN BHD, LOCATED IN IPOH, PERAK

Role And Responsibilities

1. Plant Operations Management

a.Lead and manage overall plant operations to ensure production, quality, cost, safety, and delivery targets are achieved.

b.Oversee all hardwood flooring manufacturing processes including:

• Kiln drying operations
• Timber preparation / Rough Mill / Frame Saw
• Grading and quality sorting
• Top Layer and Composer
• Hot Press and Ital Press
• Sanding and Putty operations
• Moulding / Profiling
• UV coating / Lacquering, Finishing
• Packing and shipment readiness

c.Ensure efficient coordination between Production, QA, Maintenance, Warehouse, Planning, and Logistics functions.

2. Production & Operational Performance

a.Establish and monitor production plans, capacity utilization, and operational efficiency.

b.Ensure production schedules are achieved according to customer requirements and delivery commitments.

c.Monitor operational KPIs and drive performance improvement across departments.

d.Optimize machine utilization, labour productivity, and manufacturing flow.

3. Yield, Cost & Productivity Management

a.Drive timber recovery/yield optimization and reduction of material wastage.

b.Monitor manufacturing cost, overtime, consumables, energy consumption, and operational expenses.

c.Implement cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.

d.Improve overall equipment efficiency and reduce downtime.

4. Quality Management & Customer Satisfaction

a.Ensure hardwood flooring products meet internal standards, customer specifications, and export quality requirements.

b.Ensure compliance relating to:

• Product dimensions and tolerances
• Moisture content standards
• Surface finishing and coating consistency
• Timber grading standards
• Product durability and workmanship

c.Work closely with the QA team to address customer complaints, quality defects, and corrective actions.

5. Maintenance & Engineering Oversight

a.Oversee plant maintenance programs to ensure reliability and efficiency of production equipment.

b.Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance systems are effectively implemented.

c.Monitor performance of machinery including:

• Kiln systems
• Sawing and cutting equipment
• Moulders and profile machines
• Sanding and coating lines
• Dust collection systems
• Material handling equipment

d.Support plant improvement and capital expenditure projects.

6. Safety, Health & Environmental Management

a.Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations, company safety policies, and environmental requirements.

b.Promote a strong safety culture and zero-incident mindset.

c.Ensure safe operation of machinery, wood dust management, fire prevention systems, chemical handling, and PPE compliance.

d.Lead incident investigations and corrective actions.

7. Workforce Leadership & Industrial Relations

a.Lead and develop department heads including Production, Maintenance, QA, Warehouse, and Planning teams.

b.Ensure manpower optimization, succession planning, capability development, and employee engagement.

c.Ensure discipline, attendance, and compliance with company rules and procedures.

d.Support employee relations matters, disciplinary management, and workforce stability.

8. Supply Chain & Cross-Functional Coordination

a.Coordinate closely with Sales, Production Planning, Procurement, and Warehouse departments to ensure smooth operations.

b.Monitor raw material availability, WIP control, and finished goods readiness.

c.Ensure alignment between production capacity and customer demand.

9. Certification, Audit & Compliance

a.Ensure plant compliance with certification, customer, and operational standards including:

• ISO 9001 Quality Management System
• PEFC Chain of Custody requirements (if applicable)
• FSC certification requirements (if applicable)
• Customer audit and export compliance requirements

b.Ensure plant records, documentation, SOPs, and systems remain audit-ready.

10. Budgeting, Reporting & Strategic Planning

a.Develop plant operating budgets and monitor performance against budget targets.

b.Prepare operational reports and present plant performance to management.

c.Monitor KPIs including:

• Production output achievement
• Timber yield/recovery
• Manufacturing cost per unit
• Rejection and defect rates
• Machine downtime / OEE
• Labour productivity
• Safety performance
• Customer complaint trends

d.Recommend long-term plant improvement strategies and investment priorities.

11. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

a.Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, waste reduction, process optimization, and productivity improvement initiatives.

b.Drive operational excellence programs focused on cost, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance.

c.Promote data-driven decision-making and root cause problem-solving.

d.To undertake any other duty assigned by the superior from time to time when the need arises.

Job Success Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, Wood Technology, Operations Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10–15 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in hardwood flooring, timber processing, furniture, wood products, or building materials industry.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior operations, plant, or manufacturing management role.
• Strong knowledge of hardwood flooring manufacturing processes is highly preferred.