Manufacturing Project Lead - Factory Improvement & Operational Excellence

Introduction to the job

As a Manufacturing Project Lead, you will drive key manufacturing and factory improvement projects that support operational excellence, process optimization, and business objectives within ASML’s Linkou factory. 

In this role, you will work closely with manufacturing leadership, cross-functional teams, and global stakeholders to plan, execute, and deliver projects that improve manufacturing performance and operational effectiveness. You will take ownership of projects throughout the entire project lifecycle, from project initiation and planning to execution, delivery, and closure. 

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with headquarters and cross-functional global teams while leading projects that drive meaningful improvements within a fast-paced and highly innovative manufacturing environment. 

The final position level and job title will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and overall interview performance. 

Role and responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing-related projects from initiation through successful delivery and closure. 

• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets, resource plans, and execution strategies. 

• Drive operational excellence, process optimization, productivity improvement, and manufacturing performance initiatives. 

• Coordinate and align cross-functional stakeholders to achieve project objectives and milestones. 

• Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive issue resolution. 

• Monitor project progress and communicate project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and management teams. 

• Facilitate project reviews, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to support decision-making and project execution. 

• Ensure projects are executed in accordance with ASML project management standards, governance, and processes. 

• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement after project completion. 

• Coach and support project team members on project management best practices when applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field. 

• Approximately 5–7 years of project management, project lead, program management, or related experience. 

• Proven experience leading projects from initiation to completion with end-to-end ownership. 

• Strong project planning, execution, stakeholder management, and risk management skills. 

• Experience coordinating and influencing cross-functional teams in a complex environment. 

• Strong analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. 

• Ability to work independently and proactively drive project outcomes. 

• Effective communication and presentation skills in English. 

• Willingness to collaborate with global stakeholders in a multicultural environment. 

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP or other project management certifications. 

• Experience in semiconductor, manufacturing, factory operations, industrialization, NPI, or production-related environments. 

• Experience leading factory improvement, operational excellence, productivity enhancement, or process optimization projects. 

• Experience collaborating with global teams and international stakeholders. 

• Familiarity with project management methodologies, governance frameworks, and change management practices. 

• Experience working in a high-tech manufacturing or semiconductor equipment environment. 

Inclusion and diversity

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

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