Cluster Head (Chimney)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced manufacturing leader to head end-to-end operations of a high-volume consumer appliance manufacturing cluster. The role will be responsible for driving production excellence, quality, supply chain coordination, cost optimization, productivity improvement, and overall plant performance. The incumbent will lead cross-functional teams and ensure achievement of business objectives related to output, efficiency, quality, delivery, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manufacturing Operations Management

• Lead overall manufacturing operations of the cluster and ensure achievement of production targets.
  
• Drive operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and throughput improvement.
  
• Ensure smooth execution of production plans while maintaining quality and safety standards.
  
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly production performance metrics.
  

2. Production Planning & Execution

• Collaborate with planning and supply chain teams to ensure material availability and production readiness.
  
• Ensure adherence to production schedules and delivery commitments.
  
• Drive manufacturing flexibility to support changing business requirements and demand fluctuations.
  

3. Quality Management

• Establish and maintain robust quality systems across manufacturing processes.
  
• Drive reduction in defects, rejections, warranty claims, and customer complaints.
  
• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on product and process quality.
  

4. Cost Management & Productivity Improvement

• Drive manufacturing cost reduction initiatives through process optimization and waste elimination.
  
• Improve labor productivity, machine efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  
• Monitor manufacturing budgets and ensure cost control across operations.
  
• Lead value engineering and productivity enhancement programs.
  

5. Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Work closely with procurement, logistics, and warehouse teams to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  
• Optimize inventory levels while minimizing shortages and excess stock.
  
• Ensure efficient material flow across the manufacturing ecosystem.
  

6. Plant Engineering & Maintenance

• Ensure high equipment uptime through preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
  
• Drive automation and technology adoption initiatives.
  
• Oversee infrastructure, utilities, and engineering functions to support manufacturing requirements.
  

7. Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and mentor production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain teams.
  
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  
• Drive workforce capability development and succession planning.
  

8. EHS & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all statutory, environmental, health, and safety regulations.
  
• Promote a strong safety culture and drive zero-incident objectives.
  
• Ensure adherence to company policies, manufacturing standards, and audit requirements.
  

9. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen, and other operational excellence initiatives.
  
• Drive digital transformation and process automation projects.
  
• Establish performance dashboards and review mechanisms to improve decision-making.
  

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; MBA preferred.
  
• 15–25 years of experience in consumer appliance, electronics, electrical equipment, white goods, or related manufacturing industries.
  
• Proven experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations or plant/cluster-level responsibilities.
  
• Strong understanding of production, quality, engineering, supply chain, and cost management.
  
• Experience in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives.
  
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and team-building capabilities.
  
• Exposure to high-volume assembly and manufacturing environments is preferred.
  

Key Skills

• Manufacturing Operations
  
• Plant Management
  
• Production Management
  
• Operational Excellence
  
• Supply Chain Coordination
  
• Quality Assurance
  
• Lean Manufacturing
  
• TPM
  
• Six Sigma
  
• Cost Optimization
  
• Productivity Improvement
  
• Inventory Management
  
• Engineering & Maintenance
  
• Team Leadership
  
• EHS Compliance
  
• Continuous Improvement
  
• Budget Management
  
• Capacity Planning