Plant Head

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Plant Management professional to lead operations for a Defence-focused manufacturing/engineering facility. The ideal candidate will oversee production, quality, compliance, equipment maintenance, manpower planning, and ensure delivery of critical Defence components/systems in compliance with MoD, DRDO, and Defence quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Plant Operations & Production Management

- Lead end-to-end plant operations, including production planning, manpower deployment, and daily output monitoring.

- Ensure timely delivery of Defence components, assemblies, or systems as per project and contractual timelines.

- Oversee machining, fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning activities within the plant.

- Implement Lean, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, and continuous improvement systems to optimise productivity.

2. Defence Compliance & Quality Assurance

- Ensure strict adherence to Defence manufacturing norms (DGQA, DQA, DRDO, Naval/Army/Air Force standards).

- Manage audits, inspections, quality documentation, and compliance reporting.

- Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for quality deviations.

- Coordinate with Defence inspection agencies for stage inspections and final acceptance.

3. Equipment, Maintenance & Technical Oversight

- Oversee maintenance of heavy machinery, CNC/precision equipment, utilities, and plant infrastructure.

- Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance schedules are executed effectively.

- Validate technical specifications, SOPs, work instructions, and engineering controls.

4. Safety, Security & High-Sensitivity Environment Management

- Ensure compliance with industrial safety standards, fire safety norms, and environmental guidelines.

- Maintain strict access control and security protocols for Defence-controlled production units.

- Ensure safe handling, storage, and documentation of sensitive equipment, materials, and technology.

5. Team Leadership & Training

- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary workforce including engineers, supervisors, operators, and technicians.

- Conduct skill development & training programs aligned to Defence technical requirements.

- Build a culture of discipline, accountability, and high-performance execution.

6. Vendor, Supply Chain & Material Management

- Coordinate with approved Defence vendors for critical components and raw materials.

- Ensure procurement in accordance with MoD supply chain requirements.

- Monitor inventory, reduce wastage, and maintain optimal stock levels.

7. Reporting & Coordination

- Present operational dashboards, production KPIs, quality metrics, and compliance updates to senior leadership.

- Work closely with the project, QA, design, and commercial teams for smooth execution.

Required Skills & Competencies

- Strong experience in Defence manufacturing, heavy engineering, aerospace, shipbuilding, or military-grade production.

- Knowledge of DGQA/DQA/DRDO/IAF Navy standards & Defence project compliance.

- Expertise in production planning, machinery management, plant engineering & quality systems.

- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work in high-security, high-precision, time-bound environments.

Education

- B.Tech / BE Mechanical, Production, Industrial, Electrical, or related discipline.

- Preferred: Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Safety Management.

Ideal Candidate Profile

- Plant Manager / Factory Head / Operations Manager with Defence or high-precision engineering experience.

- Ex-Defence (Navy/Army/Air Force) technical officers with plant/operations exposure may also apply.

- Experience handling sensitive manufacturing, strategic projects, or Government/PSU compliance.