Deputy Plant Head

Role & responsibilities

Job Title: Dy. Plant Head Reporting: Plant Head Direct Reports: Section Head Location: Bangalore, Karnataka KEY REPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Ensure smooth day-to-day manufacturing operations across Forging, Heat Treatment, Rolling, Plating, Stores, Dispatch, and other production functions to achieve production targets and delivery commitments.

Drive plant productivity, capacity utilization, OEE, throughput, and operational efficiency through effective resource planning and execution.

Work closely with PPC to ensure adherence to production schedules, optimize machine loading, and minimize production losses and bottlenecks.

Ensure adherence to quality standards, process controls, customer specifications, and internal quality systems. Drive reduction in rejection, rework, and customer complaints.

Ensure effective preventive and predictive maintenance practices to maximize machine availability, reliability, and operational uptime.

Drive manufacturing cost reduction initiatives through improvement in productivity, yield, material utilization, energy consumption, and manpower efficiency

Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, TPM, 5S, Six Sigma, and operational excellence projects to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.

Ensure strict compliance with safety standards, statutory requirements, and environmental norms while promoting a zero-harm culture across the plant.

Lead and develop Section Heads and operational teams through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and capability enhancement initiatives.

Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, PPC, Supply Chain, HR, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless plant operations and achievement of business objectives.

Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly operational KPIs and drive corrective actions to achieve targets related to production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety.

Act as second-in-command to the Plant Head and ensure continuity of operations, decision-making, and stakeholder management in the Plant Head's absence.

Preferred candidate profile

EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND

BE in Mechanical or Production engineering, with ME / M. Tech, MBA or equivalent.

15-18 years of experience in the Tier-1 automotive industry, with 3 to 5 years in spearheading different sections or heading plant.

Experience in the fasteners segment / Precision Business (Forging, stamping, Steel Manufacturing etc) / Sheet Metal is highly preferred, with knowledge of processes such as forging, heat treatment, rolling, and plating.

Experience in leading cross-functional teams of production, maintenance, PPC, quality, stores, and dispatch.

Demonstrated success in implementing best practices and driving continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives through Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizens or similar methodologies.

Proven experience in driving cultural transformation and enhancing operational performance.

Experience in managing customer relationships and aligning operations to meet delivery and quality expectations.

Exposure to operating in family-owned businesses will be considered an advantage.

Experience in proactively managing industrial relations and fostering a harmonious working environment.

Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) for performance tracking and resource planning.

Sound cultural sensitivity to the local region; knowledge of Kannada, English, Hindi.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Unquestionable integrity, professionalism and work ethics.

Strong operational focus and a results-driven mindset, aligned with the strategic business goals.

Sound financial acumen with proven ability to manage P&L and drive sustained profitability.

Keen learning agility combined with strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented approach.

Mature and confident individual with good executive presence, leadership gravitas, and communication skills.

Systems & processes-driven, with a methodical approach and keen attention to detail.

Excellent interpersonal skills and stakeholder management capability. Effective change management skills with the ability to drive cultural transformation.

Hands-on leader with strong people management skills to manage and develop high-performing teams.

Demonstrated leadership potential to grow into roles of increasing responsibilities and accountability.

High adaptability to navigate a complex and dynamic operational environment and drive business growth