Job Description - Production Head (Bus Body Building & Caravan Manufacturing)

Position Title: Production Head - Bus Body & Caravan Manufacturing

Department: Manufacturing / Production

Reports to: Management

Location: chennai

Role Purpose:

The Production Head is responsible for leading and managing the entire bus body building and caravan manufacturing operations, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, quality compliance, and innovation in design and fabrication. This role requires strong expertise in automobile body fabrication, assembly line management, and customization of caravans/mobile units, while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Control:

- Develop and implement production schedules to meet delivery timelines for buses and caravans.

- Coordinate with design/R&D teams to translate drawings and client specifications into production-ready plans.

- Ensure optimal capacity utilization, resource allocation, and workflow management.

- Implement lean manufacturing practices to reduce wastage and cycle time.

Manufacturing Operations:

- Oversee fabrication, welding, painting, electrical fitting, plumbing, and final assembly of bus bodies and caravans.

- Ensure integration of interiors (furniture, upholstery, kitchen, bathroom, A/C, multimedia systems) in caravans.

- Monitor shop-floor operations and resolve technical/production bottlenecks.

- Enforce compliance with automobile body building regulations, AIS/BIS standards, and safety norms.

Quality & Compliance:

- Establish and monitor quality assurance systems for raw materials, in-process work, and finished vehicles.

- Ensure caravan builds meet durability, comfort, and safety requirements.

- Conduct regular audits on fabrication, electrical systems, and finish quality.

- Ensure adherence to ISO/TS automotive standards, EHS guidelines, and client-specific approvals.

Cost & Resource Management:

- Optimize material usage, inventory, and vendor coordination.

- Control production costs while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

- Coordinate with procurement for steel, aluminum, panels, glass, paint, fixtures, and caravan-specific fittings.

- Drive automation and process improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.

Team Leadership:

- Lead supervisors, engineers, and shop-floor teams across welding, fabrication, painting, electrical, and assembly.

- Provide technical training, mentorship, and workforce productivity management.

- Foster a culture of discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Technology & Innovation:

- Introduce modern tools, jigs, fixtures, and CNC/robotic applications for precision manufacturing.

- Work closely with R&D for innovative caravan concepts, luxury finishes, and modular interiors.

- Keep updated with global bus & caravan design trends.

Client Coordination:

- Liaise with clients for custom design requirements, modifications, and approvals.

- Support prototype development and oversee client inspections.

- Ensure on-time delivery and client satisfaction.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- On-time production & delivery vs. schedule.

- Production cost vs. budget.

- Rework / rejection rates.

- Shop-floor productivity & efficiency (output per man-hour).

- Compliance with safety, quality, and statutory norms.

- Client satisfaction & repeat business for caravan projects.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Automobile Engineering (Master's preferred).

- 15+ years' experience in manufacturing, with at least 5+ years in bus body building / caravan / specialty vehicle production.

- Strong knowledge of fabrication, automotive design, electrical & mechanical integration.

- Proven leadership experience in managing large production facilities.

- Familiarity with ERP / Production planning software.

Skills & Competencies:

- Expertise in vehicle body building & caravan customization.

- Strong leadership and shop-floor management skills.

- Analytical and problem-solving mindset.

- Ability to balance cost, quality, and timelines.

- Vendor negotiation & coordination skills.

- Excellent communication and client-facing abilities.