Head of Manufacturing

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Head – Manufacturing (Biometric Cables)

Location: Chennai/Trichy

Reports To: CEO

Department: Manufacturing

1. Role Purpose

Biometric Cables is entering a scale-up phase, growing from ₹16 Cr to ₹50 Cr. The Manufacturing Head will be responsible for building a robust, system-driven, people-centric operations engine. The role requires a leader who can independently run end-to-end manufacturing, institutionalize processes, integrate technical functions, and create a high-performance, non-hierarchical, non-fear-based culture.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Drive consistent, reliable production output across multi-shift operations.
• Lead Product Development, R&D, and Design (Technical Development Group) to ensure rapid, manufacturable prototyping.
• Ensure timely Masterpiece Release and seamless NPI (New Product Introduction) handovers.
• Strengthen Process Engineering, enforce SOP discipline, and stabilize manufacturing workflows.
• Build and develop a strong leadership bench: supervisors, engineers, and team leads.
• Reduce rework, wastage, and overall cost per unit through operational excellence and root-cause elimination.
• Collaborate effectively with QA/RA (independent function), Supply Chain, Sales, and HR to ensure end-to-end operational alignment.
• Provide the Managing Director with data-driven operational insights and support continuous improvement initiatives.

3. Non-Negotiable Competencies

• Strong people leadership across all levels (operators to engineers).
• Proven multi-functional leadership across Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical functions.
• Ability to build systems, not just operate within existing ones.
• Hands-on, practical problem-solving orientation.
• Calm, low-ego, high-accountability leadership style.
• Strong ability to integrate PD/R&D/Design functions with manufacturing.
• Respect for QA/RA independence and compliance requirements.
• Clear communication skills in Tamil and English.

4. Preferred / Trainable Competencies

• Lean methodologies (5S, Kaizen, SMED).
• SAP/ERP experience.
• Exposure to ISO 13485 or other regulated manufacturing standards.
• Automation and industrial engineering familiarity.
• Multi-plant operations exposure.

5. Experience Requirements

• 10–20 years in electronics, cable assemblies, medical devices, or similar manufacturing domains.
• 3–5 years leading multi-department operations with measurable outcomes.
• Experience managing teams of 80–200 employees.
• Exposure to NPI processes and prototype-to-production transitions.

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Output vs Production Plan
• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Rework & Rejection %
• On-time Masterpiece Release
• Machine Uptime
• Productivity per Head
• Cost per Unit
• Team Capability Development & Retention

7. Success Profile

A grounded, execution-focused leader who builds strong systems, develops people, integrates technical functions, and reduces operational dependency on the Managing Director by at least 50% within one year.

8. Failure Profile

Candidates misaligned with the role include:

• Theoretical or certification-driven experts without practical grounding.
• Ego-driven or authoritarian managers.
• Professionals accustomed only to rigid, MNC-style systems use without the ability to build new systems.
• Individuals who create fear, politics, or hierarchy-dependent cultures.