Operations Head - Stamping Manufacturing - Auto Ancillary

Job Description:

About the Role:

We are looking for an experienced manufacturing leader to head end-to-end operations for a leading automotive component manufacturer. The role will be responsible for driving production excellence, quality, productivity, cost optimization, delivery performance, and continuous improvement across high-volume stamping operations.

Role & Responsibilities:

- Lead end-to-end stamping manufacturing operations, ensuring Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Productivity (SQCDP) targets are consistently achieved.

- Drive production planning, capacity planning, machine utilization, and resource optimization.

- Manage high-speed and conventional stamping press operations, ensuring maximum equipment utilization and OEE improvement.

- Oversee tool room coordination, progressive die maintenance, preventive maintenance, and tooling optimization.

- Drive operational excellence initiatives through Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Kaizen, SMED, Poka-Yoke, and continuous improvement.

- Improve productivity, reduce scrap, optimize material utilization, and achieve cost reduction targets.

- Lead new product launches, process validation, and production readiness in coordination with Engineering and Quality teams.

- Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, customer-specific requirements, and statutory safety standards.

- Develop and mentor production, maintenance, tooling, and cross-functional teams.

- Work closely with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure delivery, quality, and business objectives are achieved.

Preferred Candidate Profile:

- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Production, or Industrial Engineering.

- 15-20 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with significant exposure to stamping operations.

- Strong experience in high-speed precision stamping, progressive die operations, and/or automotive press shop management.

- Experience in managing stamping presses, production planning, tooling, die maintenance, quality, and operational excellence.

- Exposure to manufacturing of automotive components, electrical terminals, connectors, busbars, precision metal parts, or sheet metal components.

- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, OEE, Kaizen, SMED, Six Sigma, and cost optimization.

- Experience in leading large manufacturing teams and driving business performance.

- Familiarity with IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and customer audits.

- Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.