Managing Director - Manufacturing

Managing Director (MD) Manufacturing Unit

Overview:

The Managing Director (MD) is the senior executive responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, and operational performance of the manufacturing unit. The MD will ensure the unit meets its financial, production, quality, and safety targets while driving continuous improvement and long-term sustainable growth. This role requires a visionary leader with deep operational expertise, strong financial acumen, and proven ability to lead a diverse workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Business Management:

- Strategy Development: Develop, communicate, and execute the annual and long-term strategic plan for the manufacturing unit, aligning with corporate goals and market demands.

- Budget & Financial Management: Oversee the development and management of the unit's annual budget. Ensure rigorous financial discipline, cost control, optimal resource allocation, and achievement of profitability targets (P&L responsibility).

- Growth & Expansion: Identify and evaluate opportunities for capacity expansion, process optimization, and new product introduction to drive market share and revenue growth.

- Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure the unit operates in full compliance with all local, national, and international laws, regulations (e.g., environmental, labor, safety), and corporate governance standards.

2. Manufacturing Operations & Excellence:

- Operational Performance: Direct and manage all manufacturing operations (production, engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain) to maximize efficiency, throughput, and product quality.

- Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain world-class quality systems (e.g., ISO, specific industry standards) to ensure products consistently meet or exceed customer specifications.

- Lean & Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of operational excellence using Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other relevant methodologies to reduce waste, improve processes, and increase productivity.

- Supply Chain & Logistics: Oversee the entire supply chain, including procurement, inventory management, and logistics, to ensure a reliable flow of materials and timely delivery of finished goods.

3. People Leadership & Culture:

- Talent Management: Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a high-performing management team and workforce. Foster a culture of accountability, performance, and professional development.

- Employee Relations: Serve as the final authority on major labor and employee relations matters. Ensure a positive, fair, and engaging work environment.

- Safety & Health: Establish and enforce a zero-tolerance safety culture. Ensure the highest standards of occupational health and safety (OHS) are met to protect all employees and assets.

4. Stakeholder Management & Communication:

- Reporting: Provide regular, comprehensive reports on unit performance (financial, operational, quality, safety) to the Board/Executive Leadership.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison between the manufacturing unit and other corporate functions (Sales, R&D, Finance, HR) to ensure seamless business integration.

- External Relations: Represent the unit to key external stakeholders, including major customers, suppliers, local government authorities, and the community.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, etc.), Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 1015 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (General Manager, Plant Manager, or Managing Director) with P&L responsibility for a significant manufacturing facility.

Industry Knowledge: Proven expertise in [Specify Industry, e.g., Automotive Components, Heavy Machinery, Food & Beverage, Consumer Electronics].

Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of modern manufacturing processes, automation technologies, maintenance strategies, and quality management systems (e.g., IATF 16949, AS9100, FDA regulations).

Operational Excellence: Demonstrated success in implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement programs.

Core Competencies & Skills:

- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and translate corporate strategy into executable unit plans.

- Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and capital expenditure justification.

- Decisiveness: Proven ability to make sound, timely decisions under pressure.

Inspirational Leadership: Ability to motivate, inspire, and build a cohesive, high-performing team.

- Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills for communication with employees, executive leadership, and external partners.

- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to diagnose complex operational issues and develop effective solutions.