Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Plant Head to lead end-to-end manufacturing operations in a high-volume automotive/engineering production environment. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence across production, maintenance, quality, logistics, safety, and cost management while ensuring delivery, quality, and productivity targets are consistently achieved. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead overall plant operations, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering.

- Develop and execute manufacturing strategies to achieve production, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

- Drive operational excellence initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

- Monitor and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), productivity, capacity utilization, and operational efficiency.

- Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance programs are implemented to maximize equipment uptime.

- Oversee quality management systems and ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and industry standards.

- Manage production planning, inventory control, warehousing, and logistics to support on-time customer deliveries.

- Lead cost optimization initiatives by reducing waste, improving process efficiency, and optimizing resource utilization.

- Ensure strict adherence to Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) standards and statutory compliance.

- Build, mentor, and develop high-performing cross-functional teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

- Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to support business growth and operational excellence.

- Prepare and present plant performance reports, including KPIs related to production, quality, safety, delivery, and financial performance.

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Strong expertise in high-volume automotive or engineering manufacturing operations.

- In-depth knowledge of sheet metal forming and TIG welding processes.

- Hands-on experience in production planning, maintenance management, quality systems, and supply chain/logistics.

- Proven experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen, and 5S initiatives.

- Strong understanding of OEE improvement and manufacturing performance metrics.

- Experience working with ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

- Excellent leadership, people management, and decision-making skills.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cost optimization capabilities.

- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Sound knowledge of safety regulations, statutory compliance, and quality standards.

Qualifications:

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

- Master's degree (MBA/Operations Management) is an added advantage.

- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification is preferred.

Preferred Experience:

- 10-15 years of experience in high-volume automotive or engineering manufacturing.

- Proven experience leading plant operations with responsibility for production, quality, maintenance, logistics, and continuous improvement.

- Demonstrated success in improving productivity, reducing costs, enhancing OEE, and developing high-performing teams.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

- Production target achievement

- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

- On-time delivery performance

- First Pass Yield (FPY) / Rejection and Scrap Rate

- Manufacturing cost reduction

- Inventory accuracy and turnover

- Safety performance (Zero Lost Time Incidents)

- Machine uptime and maintenance effectiveness

- Customer quality performance

- Employee productivity and engagement