Production & Planning head

The incumbent will be responsible for leading and managing production and planning operations at a specialty steel wire manufacturing plant. This role ensures efficient workflow, quality compliance, cost control, and timely delivery by applying strong production leadership, planning expertise, and lean manufacturing principles.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Management

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing activities to achieve productivity, quality, and delivery targets.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and operational benchmarks.
• Drive process optimization using lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Monitor daily production performance and resolve operational issues to avoid bottlenecks.
• Ensure timely dispatch of finished goods to meet customer requirements.
  

Production Planning & Coordination

• Develop production schedules and plans aligned with business demands and inventory levels.
• Coordinate with sales, procurement, quality, maintenance, and logistics teams.
• Forecast production volumes and plan resources efficiently.
• Ensure optimal utilization of manpower, machines, and materials.
  

Quality Control & Compliance

• Enforce quality checkpoints across manufacturing and inspection functions.
• Conduct regular audits of processes, equipment, and output quality.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor the production and planning team with a focus on performance and accountability.
• Implement training programs to upgrade technical and shop-floor skills.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  

Inventory & Supply Chain Support

• Manage raw material inventory and prevent both overstocking and shortages.
• Work closely with procurement to ensure cost-effective and timely sourcing.
• Mitigate supply chain risks through proactive planning.
  

Budget Control & Cost Optimization

• Prepare and manage the departmental budget.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives in energy usage, material handling, and output yield.
• Monitor costs regularly and take corrective actions.
  

Reporting & Strategic Input

• Prepare production and planning MIS reports for senior management.
• Analyze production trends and performance metrics.
• Contribute to strategic planning and operational improvement initiatives.
  

Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Masters in Operations Management (preferred, not mandatory)
  

Experience

• Minimum

  15 years

  in production and planning
• At least

  5 years in a leadership role

• Experience in

  specialty steel wire manufacturing

  or metal/auto industry preferred
• Mandatory experience in:

• Wire drawing process

• Patenting line operations

• Strong expertise in:
• Production planning & scheduling
• Inventory management
• Manufacturing processes
• Team handling
  

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Production Planning & Control
• Lean Manufacturing (Six Sigma, Kaizen)
• Cost Reduction & Yield Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis & Problem-Solving
• SOP Implementation
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Strategic Planning & Execution
  

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong decision-making ability
• High attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strategic thinker with execution mindset
• Excellent communication and coordination skills