What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vietnam Factory Manager position at FreePower?
***This role is intended to spend months or more living in Vietnam managing our factory and Asian based supply chain - please only apply for this job if you are ready to spend significant time in Vietnam***
Position Overview
FreePower is seeking an experienced Technical Operations Manager to lead high-volume manufacturing (HVM) lines for electrical consumer products at our facility in Hai Phong, Vietnam. This role requires deep expertise in managing SMT processes, debugging, cost reduction, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams across R&D, supply chain, and quality assurance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring manufacturing efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery.
Key Responsibilities
HVM Line Oversight: Manage high-volume manufacturing (HVM) lines, ensuring efficient production workflows, adherence to quality standards, and continuous improvement in output. Utilize Lean and Six Sigma principles to drive production efficiency and reduce waste.
Cost Management: Conduct cost analysis to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies in the manufacturing process. Ensure optimal purchasing decisions to support product cost targets and profit margins.
Production Tracking and Reporting: Monitor production run rates and communicate expected delivery timelines to relevant teams. Prepare regular reports on manufacturing metrics, including spend analysis, supplier performance, and cost reduction achievements.
Product Development Collaboration: Partner with the R&D team for new product development, ensuring manufacturability and support throughout product lifecycles. Provide feedback to support seamless product transitions from development to high-volume manufacturing.
Supplier Coordination: Work closely with suppliers to procure samples, prototypes, and specialized materials required for product development. Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and on-time delivery.
Risk Management: Identify and communicate any potential risks in the manufacturing process to senior management. Provide timely updates on progress and coordinate with teams to mitigate risks.
Internal Meetings and Continuous Improvement: Participate in internal team meetings to discuss manufacturing challenges, project status, and improvement opportunities. Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within manufacturing operations.
Supplier Agreements: Review and ensure compliance with supplier agreements and contracts, keeping FreePower’s interests and quality expectations at the forefront.
Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 15 years in technical management, specifically within high-volume manufacturing (HVM) lines for consumer electrical products.
- Skills:
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Fluency in Vietnamese, English (700 TOEIC), and Mandarin Chinese.
- Proficiency in SMT, testing, rework, and cost reduction in consumer electronics manufacturing.
- Expertise in 8D problem-solving methods and debugging.
- Strong understanding of product quality standards and expectations.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
- Advanced data analysis and project management skills.
- Knowledge of mechanical components manufacturing (e.g., stamping, injection molding, machining, casting).
- Familiarity with packaging and materials for consumer products.
- Preferred: Experience in cost reduction strategies and third-party contract manufacturing oversight.