Open to opportunities

Lai Ch

@laich

Message

I lead end-to-end supply chains, delivering cost savings, faster lead times, and resilient manufacturing operations.

Malaysia

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead end-to-end supply chain and operations transformation, building resilient supplier networks, improving cost and delivery performance, and developing high-performing cross-functional teams.

I've led end-to-end supply chain management at COHU Malaysia and Flextronics, directing commodity, outsourced procurement, planning, inventory, and supplier strategies across OEM, ODM, and EMS environments. I manage regional supply bases spanning machining, metal stamping, injection molding, PCBA, cable harnesses, assemblies, and electronic components.

My work has delivered more than 98% OTIF delivery, 8–15% cost savings, 30–40% fewer supply disruptions, and faster NPI cycles. I've onboarded contract manufacturers from audit through mass production within six months, relocated 450+ tooling and models from China to Malaysia, and supported supplier localization, JIT, and capacity planning.

Across plant management, purchasing, and supply chain leadership roles, I've built warehouses, digital material-visibility tools, SAP training resources, and Lean and Kaizen improvements that strengthen inventory turns, yield, quality, and operational efficiency.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Director – Head of Supply Chain Management

Cohu Malaysia

Jul 2024 - Jan 2026 (1 year 6 months)

Led commodity, outsourced procurement, and supply chain teams to optimize working capital. Managed 10+ outsourced EMS partners and developed strategic sourcing roadmaps.

Supply Chain Management Commodity Management Strategic Sourcing Supplier Development S&OP Inventory Optimization demand planning Supplier Performance RBA Compliance

Director – Head of Supply Chain Management

Flextronics

Nov 2017 - Jul 2024 (6 years 8 months)

Managed a diversified global supply base and led sourcing strategies to consolidate suppliers and improve cost competitiveness. Enhanced OTD performance, reduced excess inventory, and improved forecasting accuracy.

Supply Chain Management Commodity Management Strategic Sourcing S&OP Inventory Management Supplier Risk Management

Manager – Supply Chain Management

Munchy Food Industries Sdn Bhd

Aug 2016 - Nov 2017 (1 year 3 months)

Managed demand and supply planning, customer service, warehousing, and logistics. Developed integrated supply plans and oversaw outsourced warehouse sites.

demand planning Supply Planning Warehousing Logistics 3PL Management Transportation

Head of Supply Chain Management

Venture Manufacturing Services Sdn Bhd

May 2015 - May 2016 (1 year)

Managed planning, customer service, and SAP training functions including warehouse. Established production schedules and contingency plans, and delivered improved inventory turnover.

Supply Chain Management Production Planning SAP Inventory Management Customer Service

Head of Purchasing Department

TDK-Lambda Sdn Bhd

Aug 2010 - Feb 2015 (4 years 6 months)

Led purchasing and sourcing operations, managing supplier KPIs and compliance. Developed commodity strategies for competitive costing and supplier consolidation.

Purchasing Sourcing Supplier Management Commodity Strategy VAVE

Plant Manager

Nexus Electronics Sdn Bhd

Jun 2003 - Jun 2010 (7 years)

Managed operations for production, planning, procurement, logistics, HR, engineering, and quality with 500 staff. Had P&L accountability and implemented Lean, Safety, and Quality initiatives.

Plant Management Operations Management Lean Manufacturing P&L management Supply Chain Quality Management

Material Manager / Production Manager / Supervisor

Nexus Electronics Sdn Bhd

Sep 1997 - Jun 2003 (5 years 9 months)

Directed logistics, inventory management, production planning, and procurement functions. Implemented sourcing strategies and established KPIs for suppliers and internal teams.

Logistics Inventory Management Production Planning Procurement Sourcing KPI Management