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
Monthly based
Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India
Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India