Manufacturing and Engineering Manager

Position Title:

1. Role Overview

The Manager – Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and continuous improvement of all manufacturing processes for tractor production. This role ensures robust process engineering, quality enhancement, productivity improvement, and seamless new product introduction (NPI) in alignment with business goals.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Process Engineering & Optimization

• Lead development and validation of manufacturing processes for engine assembly, transmission, chassis, hydraulics, sheet-metal and fabrication, paint shop, and final tractor assembly.
  
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and cycle time optimization to improve throughput.
  
• Implement lean manufacturing tools such as Kaizen, 5S, VSM, SMED, and Poka-Yoke.
  
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and productivity (SQP) standards.
  

B. New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Collaborate with R&D, design, quality, and supply chain teams to integrate manufacturability (DFM/A).
  
• Develop process plans, tooling concepts, and layout modifications for new tractor models.
  
• Oversee prototype builds, pilot runs, and process capability studies (CP/CPK).
  
• Drive SOP creation, PPAP documentation, and handover to production.
  

C. Tooling, Equipment & Technology Deployment

• Specify, evaluate, and approve jigs, fixtures, gauges, special tools, and automation equipment.
  
• Implement digital manufacturing tools (MES, IIoT, AGVs, PLC-based automation, vision systems).
  
• Optimize plant layout and material flow using simulation tools (Plant layout design, AutoCAD, FlexSim, etc.).
  

D. Cost Reduction & Productivity Improvement

• Drive value engineering and throughput improvement projects.
  
• Reduce manufacturing cost through process simplification, waste elimination, and line efficiency improvement.
  
• Improve OEE of critical equipment and assembly lines.
  

E. Quality Assurance Support

• Lead root cause analysis for line quality issues (8D, DMAIC, Fishbone, 5-Why).
  
• Establish process controls, mistake-proofing, and standard work to ensure zero-defect manufacturing.
  
• Work with supplier quality teams on component improvements.
  

F. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead a team of engineers and technicians for manufacturing engineering projects.
  
• Develop capability building programs and ensure strong technical proficiency in the team.
  
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  

3. Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of tractor assemblies: powertrain, hydraulic systems, driveline, body assembly, and paint process.
  
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, industrial engineering, and process design.
  
• Proficiency in CAD tools (AutoCAD, Creo/SolidWorks for fixture design).
  
• Experience with automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 solutions.
  
• Knowledge of quality systems: PPAP, APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC.
  
• Good understanding of welding, machining, fabrication, and assembly systems.
  

Behavioral Competencies

• Leadership & people management
  
• Cross-functional collaboration
  
• Analytical decision-making
  
• Strong communication and project management skills
  
• Problem-solving mindset
  

4. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Automobile / Industrial / Production Engineering

  (Master’s preferred).

• 12–15 years

  of experience in manufacturing engineering or production engineering in the

  tractor / farm equipment / off-highway / automotive

  sector.
• Experience in managing NPIs and setting up new assembly or manufacturing lines is highly preferred.
  

5. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Productivity & OEE improvement
  
• Cost reduction achieved
  
• NPI timelines & quality of SOP deliverables
  
• Process capability improvement (CPK targets)
  
• Reduction in defects and rework
  
• Safety compliance & zero deviation in audits