Production / Manufacturing Head

Job Title:Production / Manufacturing Head – Fastener Plant Location: Ludhiana Department:Manufacturing / Operations Reports To: Plant Head Job Summary:The Production/Manufacturing Head will lead and oversee all aspects of production operations for the fastener manufacturing unit, including cold forging, thread rolling, heat treatment, plating, and packaging. Responsible for driving production efficiency, quality, cost optimization, safety, and team performance. The ideal candidate is a Mechanical Engineer with strong leadership skills, deep process knowledge, and proven experience in managing end-to-end manufacturing of industrial and automotive fasteners. Key Responsibilities:Production & Operations Management:Plan, organize, and control production to meet daily, weekly, and monthly targets. Ensure adherence to production schedules, minimizing downtime and maximizing output. Oversee all manufacturing processes: cold forging, thread rolling, machining, heat treatment, surface finishing (plating), and packing. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:Implement lean manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and other productivity improvement initiatives. Monitor and analyze production metrics (OEE, cycle time, rejection %, etc.) and take corrective actions. Drive cost reduction through process improvements and waste minimization. Quality & Compliance:Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific quality requirements. Collaborate with the QA/QC team to address process non-conformities, CAPAs, and audits. Ensure in-line inspection and quality control checkpoints are maintained throughout production. Team Leadership:Lead, develop, and manage a team of supervisors, engineers, operators, and technicians. Plan manpower requirements and training programs for skill development. Foster a performance-driven and safety-oriented shop floor culture. Plant & Resource Management:Coordinate with maintenance for effective uptime of machines and utilities. Monitor inventory of raw materials, consumables, and tools to avoid shortages or overstocking. Collaborate with planning, procurement, quality, and logistics departments for smooth operations. Strategic & Customer-Oriented Focus:Participate in management reviews, customer audits, and new project implementation. Provide input for capital investments and plant expansion plans. Ensure OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery performance to customers. Key Skills & Competencies:Expert knowledge of cold forging technology, thread rolling, and secondary operations. Strong understanding of fastener standards (DIN, ISO, ASTM, IFI) and quality requirements. Hands-on experience in PPAP, APQP, SPC, MSA, FMEA and problem-solving techniques (8D, Fishbone, etc.). Leadership, team-building, and decision-making skills. Excellent analytical and project management capabilities. Exposure to ERP systems and manufacturing dashboards. Educational Qualifications:B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (mandatory). Additional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or Production Management (preferred). Experience Required:10–12 years of experience in fastener manufacturing, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or senior supervisory role. Strong background in managing high-volume production and automotive or industrial fasteners. Reporting Structure & Team Size:Reports to: Plant Head / GM Operations Team: 4–6 Production Engineers/Supervisors and 50–100 operators/workmen depending on plant size. Working Conditions:Plant-based role with frequent shop floor presence. Flexibility for rotational shifts, extended hours, and high-demand periods. Regular interface with senior management and customer representatives