JOB SUMMARY
The Operation Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational excellence to the E&E Testing Laboratory. This role encompasses managing high-performing test teams, ensuring superior service delivery, maintaining compliance with international standards, and supporting the organization's strategic growth objectives. The incumbent will be responsible for laboratory operations, resource optimization, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence and regulatory compliance
Laboratory & Team Management
- Lead and manage a team of 25-40 FTE (direct and indirect reports) across the E&E testing laboratory
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop team supervisors and technical staff
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, technical excellence, and accountability
- Ensure safe working conditions and compliance with occupational health and safety standards
Operations & Quality Assurance
- Oversee all testing activities in compliance with standard procedures and quality management systems (QMS)
- Maintain comprehensive documentation aligned with QMS, BIS, ISO 17025, and CBTL requirements
- Implement and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including Turnaround Time (TAT) and service levels
- Ensure consistent delivery of accurate test reports within agreed timelines
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues promptly
Resource & Capacity Management
- Optimize technical resources to manage workload and meet client requirements
- Define and manage purchasing plans for laboratory equipment and consumables
- Monitor and control costs associated with subcontracted testing services
- Maintain effective relationships with subcontracting laboratories
Infrastructure & Technical Development
- Design and implement suitable laboratory infrastructure aligned with business plans and market demands
- Develop new testing methods and standards in accordance with company strategy
- Ensure proper application of technical procedures and standards by all engineers
- Stay updated with evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements
Customer & Stakeholder Relations
- Maintain high standards of service levels and customer satisfaction
- Support Customer Services and Sales teams during client visits and interactions
- Handle customer queries and complaints with professionalism and patience
- Ensure timely communication with clients regarding test progress and deliverables
Strategic Support
- Collaborate with General Manager and Business Line technical leadership on strategic initiatives
- Contribute to company strategy definition and implementation
- Provide technical insights to support business development and market expansion
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Technical Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of IS/IEC/EN standards for consumer electronics and electrical products
- Comprehensive understanding of product certification (BIS, CBTL, NRTL)
- Strong technical knowledge of electrical product testing methodologies
- Familiarity with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements and maintenance
Leadership & Management
- Proven strong leadership and extensive management experience
- Excellent team leadership and people management skills
- Strong project management capabilities
- Ability to mentor and develop team members
- Capability to drive organizational change and continuous improvement
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Excellent spoken and written English proficiency
- Strong customer service orientation
- Ability to handle queries and complaints with patience and professionalism
- Effective stakeholder communication and relationship management skills
- Ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences
Work Ethic & Professional Attributes
- Strong individual and team work ethic
- Results-oriented and detail-focused approach
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Proactive problem-solving mindset
- Integrity and accountability in all dealings
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's or Master's degree in one of the following disciplines:
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Instrumentation
- Power Electronics
- Or any related field
Professional Experience
- Minimum 18-22 years of professional experience in electrical product testing
- Minimum 6-8 years of management-level experience in a commercial testing laboratory
- Proven experience with BIS/ISO 17025 accredited laboratories
- Strong technical subject matter expertise in electrical and electronics testing
- Demonstrated track record of leading and managing technical teams
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Active involvement in ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation and maintenance processes
- Familiarity with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance frameworks in India and international markets
- Experience in process optimization and operational efficiency improvements
- Certifications in Quality Management or Laboratory Management
- Experience in business development and market expansion initiatives
- Knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS)