Plant Manager

Job Title: Plant Manager – Automotive Tier 1 (Sheet Metal & Fabrication)

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Industry: Automotive (Tier 1 Supplier)

Experience: 18+ Years

Education: B.Tech / B.E – Mechanical / Production / Industrial or equivalent

Job Summary:

We are hiring a seasoned Plant Manager for a leading Tier 1 automotive component manufacturing company in Chennai, specializing in sheet metal, welding, and fabrication processes. The ideal candidate will be responsible for end-to-end plant operations, including P\&L management, production, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and process engineering.

This role requires strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of automotive manufacturing standards, and hands-on experience in dealing with leading OEMs such as Royal Enfield, TVS, Bajaj, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), Ashok Leyland, etc. Fluency in Tamil is mandatory for effective shop floor and workforce management.

Key Responsibilities:

*Plant Operations & P\&L:*

* Full ownership of the plant P\&L; ensure profitability and cost optimization

* Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and output quality across all departments

* Establish KPIs and monitor plant performance with continuous improvement plans

*Production Management:*

* Ensure on-time delivery of customer requirements with adherence to quality standards

* Implement lean manufacturing, 5S, TPM, and other efficiency-improving practices

* Troubleshoot bottlenecks and drive manufacturing excellence

*Quality Assurance & Compliance:*

* Ensure adherence to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific quality standards

* Lead audits (internal, customer, and third-party) and implement corrective actions

* Monitor customer complaints and drive root cause analysis and CAPA

*Supply Chain & Inventory:*

* Oversee procurement, inward logistics, and inventory management

* Ensure just-in-time (JIT) material flow to reduce inventory holding costs

* Liaise with suppliers and vendors to ensure quality and timely supply

*Maintenance & Engineering:*

* Drive preventive and predictive maintenance of plant machinery and infrastructure

* Coordinate with engineering teams to ensure uptime and reliability

* Identify and implement automation or process improvements

*Customer Relationship Management:*

* Maintain and develop strong working relationships with key OEM customers

* Ensure timely communication, delivery schedules, and quality expectations

* Act as the key point of contact for escalations and new business opportunities

*People Management:*

* Lead a team of department heads and ensure proper coordination across functions

* Drive a performance-oriented culture through training, motivation, and leadership

* Ensure adherence to HR policies, labor law compliance, and safe workplace practices

*Key Requirements:*

* Education: B.Tech/B.E in Mechanical, Production, or Industrial Engineering

* Experience: Minimum 18 years in automotive manufacturing, specifically in sheet metal, welding, and fabrication processes

* Proven experience in leading a full-fledged manufacturing plant with P\&L accountability

* Deep knowledge of OEM standards and experience in managing accounts like Royal Enfield, TVS, Bajaj, Ashok Leyland, HMSI, etc.

* Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills

* Fluency in Tamil is mandatory; knowledge of Hindi/English is an added advantage

*Preferred Skills:*

* Exposure to ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)

* Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification

* Experience in automation projects, new product development (NPD), and industrial engineering

Compensation:

* Attractive salary with performance-linked incentives

* Benefits include health insurance, company transport, and annual bonuses