Manufacturing Director (Guangzhou, China)

Lead. Transform. Deliver.Role SummaryAt AAT, we're looking for an exceptional Manufacturing Director to lead our manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence at our China facility.This is not a desk-based management role.We're seeking a highly visible, hands-on leader who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys solving complex operational challenges, and can inspire teams to achieve world-class performance. You'll be a critical member of our leadership team directly reporting to the General Manager, serving as the operational bridge between senior management and manufacturing operations while influencing productivity, quality, safety, delivery performance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the business.If you're passionate about building high-performing teams, driving Lean transformation, and creating a culture of accountability and excellence, this opportunity is for you.Why This Role MattersAs Manufacturing Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future performance of our manufacturing organization.You will:Lead multi-functional manufacturing operationsDrive productivity, quality, and delivery excellenceChampion safety and operational improvementsPartner with global stakeholders across Asia-Pacific, Australia, USA, and the PhilippinesInfluence strategic business decisions and plant performanceDevelop and lead teams through growth and transformationApproximately 50% of your time will be spent on the shop floor, working directly with managers, supervisors, and operational teams to remove roadblocks, improve performance, and ensure execution of business priorities.What You'll LeadYou will provide leadership and oversight across:Production & FabricationOperations & Process EngineeringQuality AssuranceEnvironmental, Health & Safety (EHS)Facilities & MaintenanceOperational Supervisors and CoordinatorsYou'll also work closely with Project Management, Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, Finance, HR, and Executive Leadership to ensure seamless execution of operational objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesDrive Manufacturing PerformanceLead day-to-day manufacturing operations across multiple production areas.Deliver against safety, quality, production, and customer delivery targets.Ensure efficient execution of manufacturing plans and business priorities.Resolve operational bottlenecks and accelerate decision-making.Lead Operational ExcellenceChampion Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.Identify and eliminate waste, inefficiencies, and productivity constraints.Drive measurable improvements in cost, quality, throughput, and delivery performance.Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational discipline.Strengthen Production Planning & ExecutionAlign manufacturing schedules with customer commitments, resource availability, and capacity.Improve schedule adherence and operational reliability.Ensure effective cross-functional coordination to achieve production objectives.Build a High-Performance Safety CultureLead by example in promoting workplace safety.Ensure compliance with EHS requirements and company standards.Drive proactive risk management and safety improvement initiatives.Elevate Quality PerformanceEnsure manufacturing processes consistently meet customer and company quality standards.Lead corrective and preventive actions.Support long-term quality improvement strategies.Optimize Equipment ReliabilityPartner with Maintenance teams to maximize equipment availability and operational uptime.Monitor downtime trends and implement sustainable solutions.Drive reliability-focused maintenance improvements.Lead Through PresenceMaintain a strong and visible shop-floor presence.Coach, mentor, and develop managers and supervisors.Build engagement and trust across all operational levels.Ensure strategic priorities are translated into daily execution.What Success Looks LikeIn this role, you will:Improve safety performance across the operation.Increase productivity and manufacturing efficiency.Deliver projects and production commitments on time.Reduce operational waste and costs.Build stronger cross-functional collaboration.Develop future leaders within the organization.Drive sustainable operational excellence across the plant.What We're Looking ForExperience & QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Project Management, or a related discipline.Minimum 10 years of leadership experience within manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, construction, or industrial operations.At least 5 years managing complex operational teams in a manufacturing or project-delivery environment.Proven experience leading multicultural teams and international projects.Strong English communication skills.Chinese language skills are advantageous.Leadership CapabilitiesStrategic thinker with strong operational execution capability.Proven ability to lead complex, high-pressure environments.Experience managing workforce planning, budgets, equipment, schedules, and operational priorities.Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems and EHS compliance.Sound commercial acumen with experience managing costs, productivity, and profitability.Ability to motivate teams, drive accountability, and inspire high performance.Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence programs.Why Join AAT?At AAT, you'll have the opportunity to do more than manage operations.You'll lead transformation. You'll work alongside talented international teams, influence business performance, and play a critical role in delivering innovative projects across the Asia-Pacific region. This is an opportunity for a strong manufacturing leader to make a visible impact, shape operational strategy, and accelerate their career within a growing global organization.Career Development OpportunitiesHigh-performing leaders in this role may progress into positions such as:Operations DirectorGeneral ManagerRegional Operations Leadership RolesAbout AATAdvanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a global specialist in the design, engineering, construction and operation of world-class public aquariums. From concept development through to commissioning and long-term operations, AAT delivers integrated, turnkey solutions that bring complex aquatic environments to life.Headquartered in Queensland, Australia, with operations across Asia and the Americas, AAT has delivered landmark aquarium projects in more than 30 countries, including iconic destinations such as national aquariums, oceanariums, zoo exhibits and large-scale marine attractions.What sets AAT apart is the breadth of its in-house capabilities — spanning design, engineering, acrylic manufacturing, life support systems, themed environments and ongoing operational services. This vertically integrated model enables the company to deliver highly specialised projects with exceptional quality, reliability and performance.Our work helps create immersive experiences for millions of visitors while supporting marine conservation education, wild animal rescue and rehabilitation, research and animal wellbeing around the world.Ready to Lead Change?If you're a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys being close to the operation, empowering teams, and delivering results through operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.Apply today and help build the next chapter of manufacturing excellence at AAT.