- Looking for a hands-on Operations Leader with strong experience in forging manufacturing (preferably hot forging) to lead plant operations including production, quality, planning, and maintenance.

- The candidate should have strong exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, OEE improvement, Kaizen culture, and productivity enhancement initiatives.

- Must have proven track record of operational improvements such as improving OEE (1525%), reducing rejection (3050%), and reducing manufacturing cost (1020%).

- Experience with mid-sized forging companies and promoter-led organizations is highly preferred.

- Preferred industry: Automotive Forgings / Industrial Forgings / Heavy Engineering / Oil & Gas Forgings.

Role Overview:

- We are seeking an experienced Operations Leader with strong expertise in forging manufacturing to lead overall plant operations.

- The ideal candidate should be a hands-on shop floor leader with deep exposure to production, quality, maintenance, and operational excellence within mid-sized forging organizations.

- This role requires someone who can drive manufacturing efficiency, cost optimization, and productivity improvements while working effectively in a promoter-led organization environment.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead and manage end-to-end plant operations including production, quality, maintenance, and planning.

- Drive operational excellence initiatives across the manufacturing setup.

- Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing practices across the shop floor.

- Lead TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) deployment across plant operations.

- Drive OEE improvement programs and enhance equipment utilization.

- Promote Kaizen culture and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Lead initiatives for scrap and rejection reduction.

- Improve productivity and throughput without significant capital investment.

- Work closely with leadership to deliver cost optimization and operational efficiency.

- Build and mentor a strong shop floor leadership team.

Key Requirements:

- Strong experience in forging manufacturing operations, preferably hot forging.

- Proven experience in mid-sized forging companies (adaptability to promoter-led organizations is essential).

- Strong hands-on leadership experience on the shop floor.

- Exposure to operations excellence frameworks and process improvement methodologies.

- Experience in managing cross-functional teams including production, quality, and maintenance.

Operations Excellence Expertise:

- Candidate must have strong exposure to:

- Lean Manufacturing implementation.

- TPM deployment.

- OEE improvement programs.

- Kaizen culture development.

- Scrap / rejection reduction programs.

- Productivity improvement initiatives.

Measurable Achievements (Mandatory):

- Candidates should demonstrate quantifiable operational improvements, such as:

- Improved OEE by 15-25%.

- Reduced rejection by 30-50%.

- Reduced manufacturing cost by 10-20%.

- Improved throughput without adding new machines.