Project Manager - Malaysia

Working at Watlow

Watlow is a global technology and manufacturing leader who provides world class engineering expertise through innovative thermal products and systems, enabling our customers to thrive. We are making a positive impact every day as our solutions enrich the lives of people everywhere. We have been providing breakthrough thermal solutions for over 100 years!

About the role:

In the Sourcing Project Manager position, you will be located in our facilities at Kulim, Malaysia and report to the Global Supply Chain Manager. The Sourcing Project Manager will have primary responsibility to manage and track several transition projects, develop timelines, and have effective communication with vendors and stakeholders.

The Sourcing Project Manager will work closely with project teams as well as various functions within Watlow, including leadership, operations, engineering (development and manufacturing), supply chain, product/account management and quality. The Sourcing Project Manager will lead the project teams to ensure components are released to production on schedule. This role will also require a good understanding of Project Management, Strategic Sourcing/ Purchasing basis and supplier quality and development techniques.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end sourcing project management for supplier transition initiatives in APAC (buy vs buy, make vs buy), using structures methodologies e.g Stage-Gate, APQP) ensuring alignment with cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Develop and execute detailed project plans, including scope definition, timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment across cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain) to approve supplier components of categories such as Machining, Stamping, Plastic Injection, PCBA, etc.
• Drive supplier qualification, industrialization, and supplier development activities in categories like Machine Parts, ensuring successful completion of FAI/PPAP, capability improvements, and on-time release to production.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; manage escalations and ensure timely resolution of issues impacting project objectives.
• Track and report project performance using defined KPIs (cost savings, on-time delivery, PPAP approval, launch readiness) and communicate progress to leadership and stakeholders.

Required qualifications:

• Engineering degree (Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electronics, Industrial, etc).
• +5 years of experience in supply chain departments such as supplier development, supplier quality, sourcing, procurement, and project management experience in manufacturing environments.
• Use of ERP/MRP systems.
• Demonstrate strong business judgment, integrity, financial acumen.
• Well organized and maintains a detail-oriented mindset.
• Lead through influence, work well within team environment to coach and direct to goals achievements.
• Intermediate-advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI is a plus.
• Ability to speak and write English fluently.
• Travel required 20-30% mainly within APAC.
• Must be willing to work in Kulim High Tech Park, Kedah.

Our corporate values guide us uncompromisingly to always do the right thing, continually learn and improve, respect everyone, and lead with service and humility.