Container Production Head

📌 Job Title:

📍 Location:

🏭 Company:

About The Role

As Production Head, you will lead the end-to-end manufacturing operations of our container production facility — from raw material input through fabrication, assembly, finishing, quality assurance, to dispatch. You will be responsible for achieving production targets, ensuring high quality and safety standards, optimizing costs, improving process efficiency, and building a strong production team.

You will report to the Plant / Operations Director and work closely with engineering, planning, maintenance, quality, supply chain and logistics functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage the production schedule to meet targets for container output, quality and delivery.
• Oversee the entire manufacturing process of containers (or pipes/sheets) including cutting, forming, welding/assembly, surface treatment, inspection and packaging.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, health, environment (SHE) and regulatory compliance in the production facility.
• Monitor production cost, material utilisation, labour productivity and equipment efficiency; implement improvements to reduce waste and cost per unit.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S or Kaizen methodologies to improve throughput, reduce downtime and enhance operational excellence.
• Manage and mentor the production team (supervisors, operators, technicians) — hiring, training, performance appraisal, skills development and succession planning.
• Coordinate maintenance of production equipment and machinery; ensure preventive maintenance and minimise breakdowns.
• Ensure production quality standards and control processes are in place — collaborate with Quality Assurance and Inspection teams to maintain defect rates within acceptable limits.
• Prepare and present production reports, KPI dashboards (e.g., OEE, OTIF, scrap rate, downtime, cost variance) to senior management; drive corrective actions where needed.
• Work with Supply Chain / Planning to ensure raw material availability, buffer management, inventory optimisation and feed-through into production.
• Drive new product introduction (NPI) or process changeovers for container variants, tracking operational readiness and ramp-up.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning in the production floor.
  

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering or equivalent; a Master’s degree or diploma in Manufacturing Management is a plus.
• Minimum

  10-15 years

  of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership/management role (preferably in container manufacturing, steel fabrication, heavy manufacturing, or similar industry).
• Proven track record of delivering production targets in volume manufacturing, particularly in container, pipe, sheet or structural steel sectors.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, material flows, welding/fabrication, surface treatment, finishing.
• Demonstrated experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, TPM or similar operational excellence initiatives.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and lead a large multidisciplinary team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities; proficient in using production metrics and data to drive improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (English + local language preferred).
• Familiarity with ERP/MES systems, production planning tools, maintenance scheduling software, and dashboard reporting.
• Commitment to safety, quality and continuous improvement culture.

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership role in a long-standing manufacturing company (since 1965) operating in a high-growth segment (containers, structural steel, pipes).
• Opportunity to build and scale production capability, implement cutting-edge process improvements, and make measurable impact on cost, quality and delivery.
• Competitive compensation package + performance bonus + benefits (PF, insurance, leave, etc.).
• A dynamic working environment in Chennai with opportunities for personal growth and contribution to large industrial projects (railways, energy, BESS).

How to Apply

If you are a strategic operations leader with a passion for manufacturing excellence and container production, please submit your CV + cover letter highlighting your manufacturing leadership track record, key achievements (e.g., cost reductions, productivity gains, waste improvements) and why you’re excited about this opportunity.