Primary Role
To lead and manage production operations in accordance with Japanese manufacturing principles, ensuring achievement of Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD), Safety, and Productivity targets.
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining stable production, continuous improvement through Kaizen activities, customer satisfaction, team development, and compliance with TKM(Toyoto) and IATF 16949 requirements.

Experience
• 12-18 years of experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a managerial role.
• Experience in a Japanese or Japanese-affiliated automotive manufacturing company preferred.
• Exposure to Maruti Suzuki customer requirements and systems will be highly desirable.
• Experience in Body-in-White (BIW), Sheet Metal, Welding, Stamping, or Car Body Structure Manufacturing preferred.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Production Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• MBA (Operations Management) will be an added advantage.

Preferred Industry
Automotive OEM, Auto Components, Body Structure Manufacturing, BIW (Body-in-White), Sheet Metal Fabrication, Welding Assemblies.

PRINCIPAL AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
1. Production Management:
• Ensure achievement of daily, monthly, and annual production targets as per customer requirements.
• Maintain smooth and uninterrupted production flow to meet delivery schedules.
• Monitor production efficiency, line balancing, takt time, cycle time, and capacity utilization.
• Optimize utilization of manpower, machine, material, and methods (4M).
• Coordinate with PPC, Quality, Maintenance, Tool Room, and Logistics teams for seamless operations.

2. Quality Assurance:
• Ensure production activities conform to customer specifications and quality standards.
• Maintain "Quality First" philosophy across all manufacturing processes.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions for quality concerns and customer complaints.
• Ensure adherence to IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, and Control Plan requirements.
• Support customer audits, process audits, and internal audits.

3. Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)
• Promote and lead Kaizen, 5S, and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Drive waste elimination (Muda), process inconsistency reduction (Mura), and overburden reduction (Muri).
• Implement productivity and cost reduction projects.
• Lead root cause analysis using Why-Why Analysis, Fishbone Diagram, and 8D methodology.
• Encourage employee involvement in continuous improvement activities.

4. TPM & Equipment Efficiency
• Support TPM activities to maximize equipment availability.
• Monitor OEE and implement improvement plans.
• Coordinate preventive and predictive maintenance activities.
• Minimize machine downtime and improve process reliability.

5. Team Development
• Lead production supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Develop multi-skilled workforce through training and skill development programs.
• Maintain skill matrix and succession planning.
• Foster teamwork, discipline, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching sessions.

6. Safety, Environment & Compliance
• Ensure implementation of Safety-First principles in all production areas.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions.
• Develop and sustain a zero-accident culture.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, company policies, and environmental standards.
• Promote safe working practices and employee awareness programs.

7. Customer Focus
• Ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Support Maruti Suzuki audits, assessments, and improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with customer representatives regarding production and quality-related matters.
• Ensure rapid response and effective closure of customer concerns.

8. Japanese Manufacturing Practices
• Promote Genchi Genbutsu (Go and See) approach for problem-solving.
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures and work standards.
• Drive visual management and workplace organization through 5S.
• Support Hoshin Kanri objectives and departmental KPIs.
• Develop a culture of continuous improvement and respect for people.

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Production Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
MBA (Operations Management) will be an added advantage.