R&D Director - Japanese speaker

Japanese-speaking R&D leader sought for aluminium coating innovation and customer service excellence.
Position Overview

Our client, a leading manufacturer in the aluminium and coatings industry, is seeking a seasoned professional to lead their Research & Development and Customer Service functions. This strategic role is pivotal in driving innovation, ensuring product competitiveness, and aligning technical development with evolving market demands—particularly within the microelectronics sector, where advancements in paint coating technologies are rapidly transforming the landscape.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute a forward-looking R&D strategy that reflects the company’s vision and responds to market shifts.
  • Monitor global industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to maintain a technological edge.
  • Re-engineer process flows to ensure new paint products are cost-effective and consistently outperform market standards.
  • Lead the full lifecycle of new product development, from concept through design, testing, production, and customer validation, with a focus on aluminium and coating innovations.
  • Provide expert guidance on complex engineering challenges, applying advanced methodologies and sound judgment.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including production, sales, and marketing—to ensure R&D initiatives are aligned with broader business goals.
  • Manage project timelines and budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and delivery against strategic objectives.
  • Facilitate internal and external communications to address operational challenges and support the development of new coating types.
  • Review customer feedback and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product value and performance.
  • Ensure all products and processes comply with relevant local and international standards, supported by rigorous quality assurance protocols.
  • Oversee the Customer Service department, monitoring performance metrics such as responsiveness, productivity, and service quality.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical foundation, proven leadership capabilities, and a strategic mindset. Key qualifications include:

  • A degree or professional certification in Engineering, Project Management, Research & Development, or a related discipline.
  • 10–15 years of relevant experience, ideally within aluminium and coating technologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex, cross-functional initiatives.
  • Deep expertise in aluminium alloys, extrusion processes, and surface treatments.
  • Strong analytical and numerical skills, with a proactive and collaborative approach.
  • Excellent communication, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Preference will be given to candidates fluent in Japanese or with experience in Japanese industrial environments, particularly in aluminium coating technologies.

Summary

Job Type
Permanent
Industry
Engineering
Location
Malaysia
Specialism
Engineering
Pay
Competitive salary and relocation package.
Ref:
1279854

Talk to a consultant

Talk to Dawood Perry, the specialist consultant managing this position, located in Kuala Lumpur
Level 26, Menara 3, Petronas

Telephone: +60 3-7890 4402