Job Overview

The Manager of Footprint Expansion is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering manufacturing site expansions, new plant setups, and capacity ramp-up projects across multiple geographies. This role ensures alignment with Business Unit (BU) footprint strategy, driving operational efficiency while meeting cost targets, quality standards, and timeline commitments.

The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Indirect Sourcing, Legal, Tax, Government Affairs, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and EHS. It also involves working externally with landlords, general contractors, equipment suppliers, and government agencies.

Your main tasks

• Project Planning

  • Participate in site selection on geopolitical, economic, supply chain eco-system, labor talent market, feasibility studies, and investment justification for new manufacturing facilities or expansions.
  • Develop detailed expansion project plan, budget, and resource plans.

  Project Execution

  • Lead end‑to‑end expansion projects from design, permitting, civil construction, to equipment installation and production ramp up.
  • Coordinate cross‑functional teams to deliver facilities readiness, equipment installation, process qualification, and ramp‑up
  • Track milestones, risks, budgets, and dependencies across multiple concurrent projects
  • Collaborate with HR for talent acquisition and training plans to support ramp up.

  Stakeholder & Partner Management

  • Partner with regional and global stakeholders to align objectives and execution plans
  • Manage relationships with external partners including contractors, PMC, suppliers, consultants, and government agencies
  • Support negotiations related to land, facilities, incentives, and strategic partnerships

  Governance, Risk & Compliance

  • Ensure expansion activities comply with local regulations, safety, EHS, and company standards
  • Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and geopolitical risks
  • Establish governance models and reporting mechanisms for footprint expansion

  Continuous Improvement

  • Capture lessons learned and best practices from expansion projects
  • Standardize tools, templates, and processes for future footprint projects
  • Monitor performance post‑launch and drive optimization opportunities

Your ideal background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or large-scale capital projects
• Proven track record of delivering large manufacturing site expansions, greenfield/brownfield projects, or site closures
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing facilities, factory layout design, and capacity planning
• Familiarity with EHS regulations, lean manufacturing, and sustainability practices
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills in a global environment
• PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred
• Experience in cable, connector, or electronics industries preferred
• Experience managing transfer/migration projects preferred

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Competencies