Cluster Head - Operations - Manufacturing

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced manufacturing leader to head operations for a large appliance manufacturing cluster. The role will be responsible for driving end-to-end plant operations with strong focus on production, maintenance, quality, productivity, operational efficiency, and manufacturing excellence.

The ideal candidate should come from a hardcore manufacturing operations background with deep expertise in Sheet Metal and Plastic processing environments. The individual must have hands-on experience in managing high-volume manufacturing operations and leading large shopfloor teams within appliance or consumer durable industries.

This is a pure operations leadership role and requires strong exposure to Production, Maintenance, and Quality functions. Candidates from R&D, Supply Chain, Procurement, or commercial backgrounds will not be suitable.

Key Responsibilities:

Manufacturing Operations:

- Lead overall manufacturing operations across the cluster and ensure smooth plant functioning.

- Drive production output, operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and delivery adherence.

- Ensure achievement of manufacturing KPIs related to productivity, quality, cost, and downtime.

- Monitor plant performance and implement corrective actions to improve operational effectiveness.

Production Management:

- Manage high-volume production operations involving Sheet Metal and Plastic manufacturing processes.

- Ensure optimum utilization of manpower, machines, and resources.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across fabrication, molding, assembly, and finishing operations.

- Improve line efficiency, throughput, and overall manufacturing productivity.

Maintenance & Engineering:

- Lead preventive and breakdown maintenance activities to ensure high equipment uptime.

- Drive TPM and maintenance excellence initiatives across plants.

- Ensure machine reliability and reduction in operational downtime.

- Support process automation and manufacturing improvement projects.

Quality & Process Excellence:

- Ensure adherence to in-process and final product quality standards.

- Drive reduction in rejection, rework, and customer complaints.

- Implement strong quality systems, RCA, CAPA, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen practices.

- Maintain compliance with safety and manufacturing standards.

Team Leadership:

- Lead large cross-functional teams across Production, Maintenance, and Quality.

- Build a strong performance-oriented manufacturing culture.

- Develop team capability and strengthen operational discipline across shopfloor operations.

Desired Candidate Profile:

- Bachelors Degree in Mechanical / Production / Industrial Engineering.

- 15-22 years of experience in appliance or consumer durable manufacturing.

- Strong hands-on exposure to Sheet Metal and Plastic manufacturing operations is mandatory.

- Must have managed Production, Maintenance, and Quality functions in a manufacturing setup.

- Experience in high-volume manufacturing and multi-line plant operations is preferred.

- Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, OEE, productivity improvement, and operational excellence.

- Proven experience in handling large shopfloor teams and driving manufacturing performance.

Preferred Industry Background:

- Air Conditioners

- Refrigerators

- Washing Machines

- Kitchen Appliances

- Consumer Durables

- Electrical Appliances

Key Skills:

- Manufacturing Operations

- Production Management

- Sheet Metal Processing

- Plastic Injection Molding

- Maintenance Management

- Quality Management

- Lean Manufacturing

- TPM

- OEE Improvement

- Productivity Enhancement

- Shopfloor Management

- Continuous Improvement

Reporting Structure:

Reporting To: Head - Operations

Team Handling: Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Plant Operations Teams across the manufacturing cluster.