Head of Manufacturing

Job Title: Head – Manufacturing

Location:

Industry:

Eligibility:

Language Requirement:

About the Role

The Head of Manufacturing will lead complete plant operations, ensuring world-class manufacturing excellence aligned with Japanese standards and global automotive best practices. The role demands deep experience in Japanese production systems and the ability to work closely with Indian and Japanese teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead overall manufacturing operations including Production, Maintenance, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, and Production Planning.
• Drive the manufacturing strategy for productivity, quality, safety, and cost optimization.
• Ensure alignment with Japanese HQ expectations, systems, and processes.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily production to achieve PQCDSM targets (Productivity, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, Morale).
• Implement and sustain TPS, Kaizen, Heijunka, Jidoka, 5S, and standardized work systems.
• Strengthen operational discipline and maintain world-class shop floor standards.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure zero-defect manufacturing and strict adherence to quality processes.
• Collaborate with the Quality team to achieve IATF, ISO, and customer requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits, reporting directly to Japanese leadership.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Drive automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance systems to ensure maximum machine availability.

Cross-Cultural & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Japanese engineers, auditors, and global teams.
• Facilitate communication, reporting, and technical alignment with Japanese HQ.
• Support new model introductions and plant expansion programs.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor a large workforce across multiple departments.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, discipline, and operational excellence.
• Train Indian teams in Japanese manufacturing philosophies and methods.

Key Requirements

Eligibility

• Only Japanese Nationals Can Apply

• Native-level Japanese fluency; English ability preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automobile, Production, or related engineering field.
• Certifications in Lean, TPS, or Six Sigma preferred.

Experience

• 18–25 years of automotive manufacturing experience

  , preferably with Japanese OEMs.
• Strong background in large-scale operations, leadership, and process excellence.
• Previous experience working abroad (India or Asia) is a plus.

Competencies

• Deep expertise in TPS, Kaizen, Jidoka, Heijunka, and lean manufacturing systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-cultural management skills.
• Ability to handle complex manufacturing challenges and drive efficiency.