About the Opportunity

A leading North American-headquartered firm in the engineered building solutions sector is seeking a high-caliber Interim Director of Manufacturing to provide senior leadership for its fabrication facilities in China. Our company is an innovator in its field, delivering high-quality, complex projects worldwide. We operate state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that adhere to the most stringent global quality and safety standards.

This is a critical, senior-level opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to step into a pivotal role. You will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, upholding our uncompromising commitment to quality, and acting as the key leadership bridge between our China-based operations and our executive and client teams.

This interim position is being created to provide strategic support and stability during a period of transition. For the right candidate, this role offers a significant professional challenge and the potential for a long-term leadership position within our global organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Oversight: Assume ultimate responsibility for factory performance, including production scheduling, budget management, resource allocation, and output targets.

Quality & Safety Leadership: Champion a world-class culture of safety and quality assurance. You will be the final authority ensuring all processes and products meet rigorous North American (e.g., CSA, ASTM) and international (e.g., ISO) standards.

Cross-Cultural Bridge: Serve as the primary English-speaking conduit between the factory floor and North American stakeholders. This includes providing clear progress reports to the executive team, managing client expectations, and resolving complex issues with diplomacy and clarity.

Team Mentorship & Collaboration: Work in close partnership with a talented and long-serving local Chinese leadership team. Your role is to support, mentor, and empower them, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations and fostering a collaborative environment.

Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives focused on enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing production workflows

Client Relations: Act as a key point of contact for international clients during factory visits and production reviews, instilling confidence through your expertise and professionalism.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

This role requires a unique blend of technical manufacturing expertise, senior leadership presence, and exceptional cross-cultural communication skills.

Experience: A minimum of 10-15 years in a senior manufacturing leadership role (e.g., Director, Plant Manager, VP of Operations) within a complex fabrication or engineered-to-order environment.
Industry Background (Preferred): Experience in modular construction, prefabricated buildings, heavy steel fabrication, automotive, aerospace, or other sectors requiring high-spec, project-based manufacturing is strongly preferred.
Expat Experience: Must have demonstrable experience as an expatriate leader working within a Chinese manufacturing context. You understand the nuances of the business culture and have a track record of successfully managing and developing local teams.
Communication: Native or flawlessly fluent English is essential. Your ability to articulate complex technical and logistical issues to a Western business audience is paramount.
Language Skills: Conversational or fluent Mandarin is a significant asset but not a mandatory requirement.
Technical Acumen: Deep knowledge of modern manufacturing principles, quality assurance systems, supply chain management, and EH&S (Environment, Health & Safety) protocols.
Leadership Style: You are a confident, hands-on leader who leads by example. You are as comfortable on the factory floor as you are in an executive boardroom. You are a natural mentor and team-builder, not an authoritarian.