Job Title: Plant Head

Location: As per company requirement

Industry: Automotive - Leaf Spring (Suspension Division)

Experience: 12-20 Years

Qualification: BE (Mechanical) + MBA

Preferred Industry: Leaf Spring / Automotive Manufacturing

About the Company:

Akar Auto Industries Ltd (formerly Akar Tools Ltd) is an ISO/TS 16949:2009 certified organization with over 35 years of expertise in manufacturing automotive components, precision forgings, leaf springs, and industrial tools.

The company serves leading OEMs across domestic and international markets with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong focus on quality and reliability.

Role Overview:

The Plant Head will be responsible for end-to-end plant operations, ensuring efficient production, adherence to quality standards, cost optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives while aligning with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead overall plant operations including production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain

- Plan, organize, and oversee daily production activities to achieve output targets

- Ensure adherence to customer specifications, OEM standards, and quality management systems

- Drive zero defect culture through robust quality practices and root cause analysis

- Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance to ensure minimal downtime

- Ensure uninterrupted production flow through effective machine and resource utilization

- Monitor raw material availability and maintain optimum inventory levels

- Coordinate with procurement, vendors, and internal teams for timely supply chain operations

- Control WIP and finished goods inventory in line with demand planning

- Drive cost reduction initiatives and improve plant efficiency

- Manage plant budget and ensure optimal utilization of resources

- Lead initiatives for EBITDA margin improvement

- Drive automation and digitalization initiatives within the plant

- Support new product development and smooth product launches

- Ensure compliance with safety, statutory, and environmental regulations

- Build and lead high-performing teams across plant functions

Key Result Areas (KRAs):

- Achievement of production targets and operational efficiency

- Reduction in machine downtime and improvement in OEE

- Consistent quality performance with reduction in defects and rejections

- Implementation of cost-saving initiatives and margin improvement

- Inventory optimization and improved supply chain efficiency

- Successful execution of automation and continuous improvement projects

- On-time delivery and adherence to customer commitments

- Compliance with safety standards and zero major incidents

- Team productivity, engagement, and retention

- Effective implementation of Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma practices

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong expertise in automotive manufacturing processes, preferably leaf springs

- In-depth knowledge of forging, heat treatment, and machining processes

- Proven experience in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools

- Strong leadership and team management capabilities

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

- Strong financial acumen with focus on cost control and profitability

- Expertise in production planning and inventory management

- Ability to drive automation and process optimization initiatives

- Strong understanding of quality systems and OEM requirements

- Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination

- Strong decision-making and crisis management skills

- High focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence