Mid-40s, hands-on experience in rubber manufacturing and operations - Strong leadership skills and practical knowledge of shopfloor management - Proven track record in process optimization, quality systems, and team development Role & responsibilities The Head of Operations is responsible for overseeing the entire manufacturing lifecycle of rubber products from raw material procurement to final dispatch ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with industry standards such as IATF 16949 . This role demands strategic leadership, technical acumen, and a deep understanding of rubber processing machinery and quality systems. Develop Operational Strategy Align production goals with business objectives Create long-term plans for capacity expansion, automation, and sustainability Cross-Functional Leadership Lead production, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and logistics teams Foster collaboration between departments to ensure seamless operations Compliance & Governance Ensure adherence to industry standards including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 Lead internal audits and regulatory inspections Production Planning & Scheduling Optimize production schedules to meet delivery timelines, Minimize downtime and maximize machine utilization, Inventory & Supply Chain Manage raw material procurement and vendor relationships Control inventory levels and reduce material wastage uality Assurance Implement and monitor quality control systems Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 standards: Control plans, FMEA, PPAP, APQP Root cause analysis and corrective actions Customer Satisfaction Address customer complaints and implement feedback loops Ensure timely delivery and product reliability Preferred candidate profile
1. Job Summary The Production Head is a strategic and hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing the entire manufacturing process within the rubber plant. This includes planning, coordinating, and directing all activities on the production floor to ensure the efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacture of high-quality rubber products. 2. Key Responsibilities A. Strategic Planning & Operations Management: Develop and execute production plans and schedules to meet sales forecasts and customer delivery commitments. Allocate resources effectively (manpower, machinery, materials) to maximize output and efficiency. Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the production department, such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), production yield, throughput, and on-time delivery. Collaborate closely with the Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and NPD departments to ensure seamless operations. B. Production Process & Technical Oversight: Aware of rubber manufacturing processes: mixing , milling, molding (compression, transfer, injection). Troubleshoot complex technical issues related to compound behaviour, mold design, machinery, and process parameters (temperature, pressure, time). Drive process optimization and standardization to improve product consistency, reduce cycle times, and minimize waste. Ensure strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all shifts. C. Quality & Compliance: Champion a culture of quality, ensuring all products meet or exceed customer specifications and internal quality standards. Work in partnership with the Quality Control department to investigate and resolve non-conformances, customer complaints, and internal rejections (NRF - Not Right First Time). Ensure compliance with all industry-specific standards (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949 for automotive) and safety regulations (OSHA). Implement and support root cause analysis and corrective action processes (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys). D. Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of production supervisors, shift leaders, operators, and technicians. Manage staffing, including recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and skill development. Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment. Address employee relations issues promptly and effectively. E. Continuous Improvement & Cost Control: Identify and lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Six Sigma projects to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve productivity. Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement in material usage, labor efficiency, and overhead costs. Focus on Scrap and Rework reduction to improve overall profitability.