About the Role:

Our client, a leading electrical hardware manufacturing company, is seeking a seasoned Plant Head / Factory Head to provide strategic and operational leadership at its Kolkata facility. This is a high-impact senior role reporting directly to the Director, carrying full accountability for end-to-end plant performance - from raw material procurement through to finished product dispatch.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in electrical hardware manufacturing, a demonstrable track record of independently managing 100 Crore+ production units, and strong capabilities in TPM, Lean, and Six Sigma. Equally important is proven experience in industrial relations, trade union management, and statutory compliance within a large-scale manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Operations

- Provide strategic oversight of end-to-end production processes - from raw material procurement to final product dispatch.

- Drive adherence to production schedules, quality targets, and on-time delivery commitments.

- Champion zero-defect manufacturing, zero-breakdown targets, and Six Sigma methodologies across the shop floor.

- Enforce best practices in shop floor management, resource utilisation, and cost optimisation.

- Maintain and continually improve ISO standards, TPM, and 5S systems.

Plant & Operations Management

- Lead all plant functions spanning production, quality assurance, maintenance, stores, logistics, and EHS.

- Implement robust KPI frameworks to monitor OEE, productivity, downtime, and throughput.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional alignment with organisational goals.

- Manage plant budgets, CAPEX proposals, and cost-reduction programmes.

Manpower & Industrial Relations

- Manage the full shop floor workforce - permanent staff, contract labour, and supervisory teams.

- Build and sustain productive industrial relations; handle trade unions and resolve grievances proactively.

- Foster a culture of discipline, safety, and operational excellence at all workforce levels.

Administration & Statutory Compliance

- Serve as the primary interface with local government authorities, pollution control boards, labour and safety departments.

- Ensure full statutory compliance under the Factories Act, labour laws, and applicable environmental regulations.

- Manage all plant-level legal, administrative, and regulatory matters in co-ordination with the corporate team.

Vendor & Supply Chain Management

- Co-ordinate with hardware vendors and component suppliers to ensure quality, cost, and delivery standards.

- Monitor vendor performance metrics; drive corrective actions and supplier development initiatives.

- Ensure timely availability of raw materials and components to sustain uninterrupted production.

Candidate Profile:

Essential Experience:

- Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in an electrical hardware manufacturing environment.

- Independently managed a 100 Crore+ production unit with full P&L and operational accountability.

- Hands-on experience with hardware production processes, component integration, and assembly line management.

- Demonstrated success in trade union management and maintaining harmonious industrial relations.

- Proven experience managing government/regulatory interfaces and ensuring factory-level statutory compliance.

Technical Competencies:

- Strong command of TPM, Total Productive Maintenance, and Lean Manufacturing frameworks.

- Working knowledge of Six Sigma (Green Belt / Black Belt preferred) and Statistical Process Control.

- Proficiency in production planning, process control, capacity management, and cost engineering.

- Familiarity with ISO quality management systems and EHS standards.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire and manage large, diverse workforce teams.

- Strong decision-making agility and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational realities.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills - from shop floor to boardroom.

- High integrity, results orientation, and a performance-driven work ethic.

Rajiv Kumar Kushwaha