Operations Program Manager
3M · China
3M has a long-standing reputation as a company committed to innovation. We provide the freedom to explore and encourage curiosity and creativity. We gain new insight from diverse thinking, and take risks on new ideas. Here, you can apply your talent in bold ways that matter.Job Description:
Role Summary
The Operations Program Manager (OPM) serves as 3M's primary operations leader at contract manufacturing partners in China, responsible for product launch readiness, factory execution, capacity planning, and operational risk management. The OPM drives cross-functional alignment between 3M and contract manufacturers to ensure products are launched on time, achieve operational targets, and maintain uninterrupted supply to customers.
This role acts as the central point of coordination across Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Planning, and Contract Manufacturing partners to deliver successful product introductions and sustain operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle.
Core Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations Management
- Lead operational readiness activities for new product introductions (NPI), product transfers, and capacity expansion programs at contract manufacturing sites.
- Drive factory readiness reviews covering manpower, materials, manufacturing processes, equipment, and production capacity prior to qualification and mass production.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality teams to ensure successful build events, pilot runs, qualification activities, and production ramp-up.
- Identify operational risks that may impact launch schedules and drive mitigation plans to ensure on-time product introduction.
- Lead production ramp planning and execution to achieve targeted output, yield, and customer availability requirements.
Contract Manufacturing Operations
- Own daily operational engagement with contract manufacturers to ensure alignment across production schedules, material availability, equipment readiness, and manufacturing capacity.
- Monitor production performance against demand forecasts, shipment commitments, and operational targets.
- Drive rapid resolution of operational issues impacting delivery, production output, or supply continuity.
- Coordinate factory execution activities and provide operational status updates to regional and global stakeholders.
- Establish operating rhythms and performance reviews with contract manufacturing partners.
Capacity Planning & Supply Readiness
- Develop and maintain capacity plans to support business forecasts and long-term growth requirements.
- Validate supplier production capabilities, resource readiness, and expansion plans to ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity.
- Identify capacity constraints and lead mitigation activities across suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Partner with Supply Planning and Operations teams to align production loading, inventory strategies, and customer demand requirements.
- Manage operational assumptions used in forecast planning and capacity modeling.
Cross-Functional Program Leadership
- Lead cross-functional operational workstreams involving Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Planning, and Commercial teams.
- Drive program execution across timelines, milestones, deliverables, and stakeholder alignment.
- Facilitate decision-making and issue resolution among internal organizations and contract manufacturing partners.
- Provide concise executive-level communication regarding project status, risks, recovery plans, and key decisions.
- Drive accountability across organizations without direct authority.
Risk Management & Escalation
- Serve as the primary operations point of contact for contract manufacturing partners.
- Build strong executive and working-level relationships with supplier organizations.
- Lead operational business reviews focused on capacity, delivery performance, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
- Drive supplier operational excellence initiatives to improve flexibility, scalability, and execution reliability.
- Support supplier selection, onboarding, and operational readiness assessments for new contract manufacturing partners.
Supplier Operations Partnership
- Serve as the primary operational point of contact for contract manufacturing partners.
- Drive operational excellence through performance reviews, KPI management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with supplier leadership teams to improve manufacturing responsiveness, flexibility, and execution reliability.
- Support operational assessments and business reviews to ensure long-term supplier performance and strategic alignment.
Qualifications
- Bilingual fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (required).
- 5+ years of experience in Operations Program Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Engineering, or Contract Manufacturing Management.
- Proven experience leading NPI launches, manufacturing transfers, production ramp-ups, or complex supply chain programs.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production planning, capacity management, material planning, and contract manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional programs across multiple organizations and geographies.
- Strong project management, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- Experience with operational performance metrics, demand forecasting, and capacity planning methodologies.
- Proven ability to assess risk, influence decision-making, and drive issue resolution in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
- Willingness to maintain regular on-site presence at contract manufacturing locations and travel as required.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.