Line Manager: Managing Director Operation in Malaysia
About AIXTRON
AIXTRON is a technology and innovation-driven market leader in deposition equipment (MOCVD) for third-generation semiconductor materials such as GaN, SiC and GaAs—critical enablers for energy efficiency, data communications and AI infrastructure. Headquartered in Herzogenrath, Germany, we hold the #1 market position in each of the markets we serve and build some of the industry’s most sophisticated high-tech systems. What sets us apart is how we combine deep technology focus, customer orientation and speed of innovation with strong team spirit, agility and a collaborative company culture. Learn more at www.aixtron.com.
AIXTRON’s new manufacturing & engineering hub in Malaysia
We are building a new greenfield manufacturing and engineering hub in Batu Kawan, Penang. The site will provide a state-of-the-art cleanroom environment for assembly & test of our high-end systems and will contribute to engineering the next generation of products. Operations are planned to start in 2027 with rapid ramp-up. Beyond technology, the new location is designed as a modern workplace with state-of-the art office and amenities — built to foster collaboration and a strong focus on people’s wellbeing.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for purpose-driven builders: hands-on professionals with entrepreneurial spirit who enjoy setting up structures, improving processes and taking ownership in a fast-moving environment. As pioneers of our Malaysia site, you will help to shape not only your function, but also how we work together locally — while being connected to a global team of around 1,000 employees from ~60 nationalities across Asia, Europe and the US. We offer competitive benefits, outstanding technical expertise, development opportunities and training.
Responsibilities
Team Setup and Leadership
- Define the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the end-to-end supply chain team (Material Planning, Operational Logistics, After-Sales Logistics, Inventory Control, Production Planning/Steering).
- Recruit, train, and mentor supply chain team to ensure capability development.
- Establish workflows, performance metrics (KPIs), and SOPs to guide daily operations and continuous improvement.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration with departments such as Purchasing, Production, Quality, Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Customer Service.
Material Planning
- Implement and manage Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems and forecasting tools.
- Align supply plans with production schedules, sales forecasts, and customer orders.
- Facilitate regular follows-up with visibility into capacity, constraints, and material availability.
Inventory and Warehouse Management
- Design and optimize inventory policies to balance availability and working capital.
- Supervise receiving, storage, and material issuance processes in compliance with FIFO and traceability requirements.
- Lead cycle count programs and drive improvements in inventory accuracy and turnover.
LMW License Compliance and Governance
- Lead the application, renewal, and amendment processes for the Licensed Manufacturing Warehouse license with RMCD.
- Ensure the company maintains the mandatory export value threshold required for LMW license validity.
- Ensure all applicable import duties and Sales Tax (SST) are calculated and paid to Customs prior to goods release to Malaysia local market.
- Ensure bonded (LMW) inventory is accurately separate from non-bonded inventory in system and in warehouse physically.
- Act as the primary point of contact for RMCD during audits, inspections, or spot checks.
- Prepare and submit accurate monthly LMW reports to RMCD before the due date
Logistics & International Trade Compliance
- Oversee all inbound and outbound logistics, including freight forwarding, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery.
- Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers and define performance metrics in service level agreements (SLAs) and ensure adherence.
- Ensure compliance with Malaysian Customs regulations and international trade laws.
- Maintain accurate trade documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and export licenses.
Cost Control and Continuous Improvement
- Monitor and analyze supply chain costs (material, freight, inventory carrying, etc.) and identify savings opportunities.
- Lead Lean projects to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
- Benchmark performance against industry standards and implement best practices.
Cross-Functional & Global Coordination
- Collaborate with global supply chain team to align regional strategies with headquarters' objectives.
- Serve as the point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding supply chain matters.
Production Planning and Steering
- Translate inputs from Operational Engineering into production plans to be executed by shop floor team
- Monitor and steer execution of production plans by shopfloor team
- Align production activities with other activities (incl. material planning, logistics)
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related disciplines.
- 8+ years of progressive supply chain experience, with at least 3-5 years in managerial role, experience in export-oriented manufacturing companies is an advantage.
- Experience and familiarity with LMW license.
- Ability to be strategic and hands-on independently to build process and team from scratch.
- In-depth and practical knowledge of import/export regulations, Incoterms, and global logistics.
- Strong people leadership and organizational development capabilities.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP) and planning tools (MRP) is preferred.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills to conduct cooperation with service providers.
- Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin proficiency is a plus.
Working Conditions & Environment
- Role based at AIXTRON Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
- Majority of the work is at Batu Kawan site; work at Kulim site will be requested as needed.
- Visits to warehouses, customs offices, ports, or supplier locations will be requested as needed.
- Occasional travel, to Headquarters in Germany or other regional sites.
