Junior Factory Manager

SOPREMA, founded in 1908 in Strasbourg, France, provides a variety of building maintenance solutions from the roof to the underground, to solve the waterproof, insulation, building acoustics and other architectural problems for customers around the world. Our business scope covers more than 120 countries and regions around the world, with more than 10,000 employees, 123 production sites, 23 research and development centers and 46 training centers worldwide. The products cover SBS, APP modified asphalt waterproof coil, PVC, TPO polymer waterproof coil, liquid waterproof coating, steam insulation materials, acoustic materials, thermal insulation materials, etc. In 2015, the first R&D and production base in Asia was established in Changzhou, which will continue to provide high-quality building maintenance system products for the Chinese market.

Junior Factory Manager

Job description

1. **Production Oversight**:

• Assist in managing daily production schedules and activities to ensure timely completion of manufacturing orders.
• Monitor production output, ensuring quality standards are met and production goals are achieved.
• Ensure that raw materials and components are available in the right quantities to prevent production delays.

2. **Process Improvement**:

• Identify inefficiencies in production processes and suggest improvements to increase productivity and reduce waste.
• Work with cross-functional teams to implement lean manufacturing techniques and best practices.
• Support the implementation of new machinery, equipment, or processes to enhance factory operations.

3. **Quality Control**:

• Ensure that products are manufactured to meet quality specifications and that all procedures are followed.
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to address any defects, non-conformities, or customer complaints.
• Participate in root cause analysis for quality issues and help to implement corrective actions.

4. **Team Supervision**:

• Support the recruitment, training, and supervision of production staff and operators.
• Allocate tasks and ensure that team members are working efficiently and adhering to safety protocols.
• Conduct regular performance assessments and provide feedback to staff to encourage development and high performance.

5. **Safety & Compliance**:

• Ensure that the factory complies with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and training sessions to promote a safe working environment.
• Ensure that all machinery and equipment are well-maintained and that safety standards are followed by all staff.

6. **Inventory & Resource Management**:

• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, components, and finished products, ensuring accurate record-keeping and stock control.
• Coordinate with the procurement department to maintain appropriate stock levels and minimize production downtime.
• Ensure the optimal use of factory resources, including manpower, equipment, and materials.

7. **Reporting & Analysis**:

• Prepare regular reports on production metrics, such as output, efficiency, downtime, and quality performance.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior management to support decision-making.

8. **Collaboration**:

• Work closely with other departments such as maintenance, logistics, procurement, R&D, and quality control to ensure smooth factory operations.
• Act as a point of contact between production staff and senior management, communicating key priorities and any challenges faced on the production floor.
• Assist in the coordination of factory audits, inspections, and customer visits.

9. **Maintenance Coordination**:

• Ensure that production machinery and equipment are properly maintained and serviced according to the maintenance schedule.
• Report any mechanical issues or breakdowns to the maintenance team and follow up on repairs to minimize production disruptions.

Skills & Experience

1. **Education**:
Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, production management, or a related field from a foreign university (ideally Europe or North America).

2. **Experience**:
1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with experience in supervisory or leadership roles being an advantage.

3. **Technical Skills**:

   - Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production planning.

   - Proficiency in production management software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

4. **Leadership Skills**:
Strong leadership and people management abilities, with experience in supervising teams and assigning tasks.

5. **Problem-Solving**:
Ability to identify operational challenges and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

6. **Communication**:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration across departments and with senior management.

7. **Analytical Skills**:
Strong structured process thinking and data analysis skills to monitor performance metrics and recommend improvements.

8. **Time Management**:
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize production activities to meet deadlines.

9. **Safety Awareness**:
Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures in a manufacturing environment.

10. **Language**:

- Chinese (Mandarin) ability to fluently communicate in Chinese Mandarin required.

-  English: fluent verbally and in writing required.

-  Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin) in writing is an advantage.