The General Manager - Food role provides overall leadership for a newly established food manufacturing and food ingredients business in Thailand. Based in Amata City, Chon Buri (Amatanakorn), or Bangkok, the position combines strategic business management, manufacturing operations, commercial growth, and organisational leadership to build a sustainable and profitable operation.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage overall business operations in Thailand
Develop and execute short-term and long-term business strategies aligned with corporate objectives
Drive sustainable sales growth and profitability
Manage company profit and loss (P&L) and budget performance
Report business performance to regional management and headquarters
Oversee all manufacturing activities, including production, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, warehousing, and logistics
Ensure production efficiency, quality standards, cost control, and delivery performance
Improve operational productivity and manufacturing key performance indicators (KPIs)
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing, and cost reduction programmes
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards
Develop and execute sales strategies for Thailand and regional markets
Expand the customer base and strengthen relationships with key accounts, distributors, and food service customers
Identify new business opportunities and market trends
Negotiate commercial agreements and strategic partnerships
Monitor sales performance and develop action plans to achieve targets
Lead and develop management teams across manufacturing and commercial functions
Build a strong organisational culture and talent pipeline
Coach and mentor department heads
Drive employee engagement and performance management initiatives
Ensure compliance with local regulations, food safety standards, corporate policies, and legal requirements
Manage risk assessment and corporate governance practices
Maintain strong relationships with government authorities, customers, suppliers, and business partners
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
At least 15 years of experience in food manufacturing
At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership position, such as General Manager, Plant Director, Factory Director, Operations Director, Business Unit Head, or Commercial & Operations Director
Strong experience managing both manufacturing operations and commercial or sales functions
Proven track record in P&L management
Strong leadership and people management skills
Experience managing a workforce of more than 100 employees
Business-level English communication skills
Experience within a Japan-based food manufacturing organisation
Japanese language ability would be an advantage
Experience working directly with management teams or headquarters based in Japan
Knowledge of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000), ISO 22000, and food safety management systems
About the company
A Japanese company in the food manufacturing industry that develops, manufactures, and distributes food products for household and commercial markets. The organisation forms part of an international food group with manufacturing, sales, and distribution activities across multiple Asian markets.