Operational Manager

About the Role
The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing the company’s operational activities within IHC India, ensuring operational excellence, cost‑effective execution, and high‑quality delivery across construction, assembly, commissioning, and handover of the IHC portfolio, related to: dredging equipment, mining systems, offshore equipment, and small-sized vessels that are being produced in India
The Operations Manager oversees production planning, project execution, supply chain coordination in close collaboration with the Procurement Manager, facility performance, HSE compliance, and workforce capability. The role drives continuous improvement, standardisation of processes, and operational discipline while supporting the company’s strategic growth ambitions.
This position plays a pivotal role in the operational expansion of IHC in India and will have close contact with other established production locations of IHC. The Operations Manager will be responsible for preparing and adapting the organisation for growth, including scaling operations into new regions and ensuring readiness for future market opportunities.
Responsibilities
Lead daily operations across workshops, yards, project sites.

Ensure projects (construction, overhaul, commissioning, outfitting) are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality and safety standards.
Develop and monitor production schedules, resource planning, and workforce allocation.
Optimize workflows, reduce bottlenecks, and drive efficiency improvements.
Monitor operational KPIs (cost, productivity, utilization, cycle time, downtime) and take corrective actions where needed.
Develop, maintain, and improve operational reports, dashboards, KPIs, and management tools.
Ensure accurate, timely reporting on operational performance, cost analysis, resource utilization, project progress, and HSE metrics.
Introduce digital tools or systems that improve visibility, planning accuracy, and decision-making.
Provide regular performance updates and operational insights to senior management.
Reduce rework, waste, and operational overheads through systematic root‑cause analysis.
Coordinate with procurement, logistics, and suppliers for timely availability of materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
Oversee inventory management and implement controls to reduce excess stock and shortages.
Oversee maintenance and performance of workshops, fabrication facilities, yards, and assembly areas.
Manage capacity planning and expansions required for business growth.
Ensure adherence to ISO standards, class requirements, and regulatory norms applicable to marine/offshore construction.

Monitor HSE performance and enforce a strong safety culture across all sites.
Ensure quality inspections, audits, and certifications are executed effectively.
Manage and mentor operations management team of production lead, quality lead, supervisors, technicians, and project personnel, to prepare them for the next steps in our organization.
Improve skillset of production personnel, so IHC can deliver more complex construction work.
Forecast manpower needs based on growth plans and new project pipelines.
Build training programs to upskill operational staff for future technologies and methods.
Lead operational planning for expansion into new geographies or facilities.
Establish operational standards, processes, and staffing for new branches or production units.
Participate in tendering and budgeting by providing estimates and execution methods.
Support leadership in strategic decision‑making based on operational insights.
Work closely with Sales, Proposal, Engineering, Project Management, Supply Chain Management and Finance to ensure coordinated execution and alignment with business objectives as well as the IHC departments on other foreign locations.
Core Competencies
Familiarity with fabrication, welding, outfitting, mechanical/electrical assembly, and commissioning processes.
Understanding of marine classification societies, offshore standards, and industry regulations.
Proficiency in production planning, ERP systems, and project execution methodologies.
continuous improvement mindset
Ability to manage multi-site operations and high‑mix, low‑volume production environments.
Strong leadership with the ability to drive accountability and performance.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all company.

Ability to coach, develop, and motivate technical teams.
Ability to evaluate operational feasibility, infrastructure needs, and organizational requirements.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities with a forward-looking mindset.
Strong understanding of ISO, health & safety norms, and marine/offshore compliance requirements.
Ability to embed a culture of safety and quality across teams.
Must Have
Minimum 10–15 years of operational experience in heavy industrial fabrication and experience with offshore equipment is a nice to have.
Strong understanding of fabrication, welding (as well as welding of exotic material), outfitting, and mechanical/electrical integration processes.
Experience in an production environment outside of India is a must with preference for some offshore fabrication experience.
Hands-on leadership style with the ability to set priorities, enforce standards, and drive performance.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
Master’s degree (MBA or Operations Management) is a plus.