General Manager - Manufacturing

About the Role:

The General Manager - Manufacturing will be responsible for overseeing the entire plant operations, including production, production planning, new product development, R&D, installation, and servicing. The role demands strong technical expertise in capital equipment or packaging machinery manufacturing, along with leadership in process optimization, quality control, and coordination with global teams (especially China) for product and supply alignment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Plant Operations Management

• Lead overall plant operations ensuring timely production, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, equipment uptime, and plant safety.
• Manage installation, servicing, and commissioning of machinery and capital equipment.

2. Production Planning & Control

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer delivery timelines and optimize resource utilization.
• Coordinate with procurement, inventory, and sales teams for seamless production flow.
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly production performance and take corrective action for deviations.

3. Product Development & R&D

• Drive new product development initiatives in coordination with design, R&D, and global teams.
• Implement continuous improvement and innovation in product design and manufacturing methods.
• Support R&D projects with cost analysis, prototype testing, and performance validation.

4. Global Coordination (China Team)

• Coordinate with China team for product design, supply chain planning, and technical support.
• Ensure alignment in quality standards, manufacturing specifications, and project timelines.
• Manage import-related documentation and supplier communication.

5. Manufacturing Excellence

• Develop and implement lean manufacturing, 5S, and process improvement initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs for production efficiency, machine utilization, and rejection rates.
• Lead cost optimization and productivity enhancement programs.

6. Leadership & People Management

• Supervise plant managers, production engineers, and cross-functional teams.
• Build a performance-driven culture through mentorship, skill development, and teamwork.
• Ensure adherence to safety, statutory, and environmental compliance.

Need to Have:

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Proven expertise in developing and executing manufacturing strategies, optimizing production systems, and driving operational excellence.
• System & Process Development: Strong ability to establish, streamline, and scale production systems, quality processes, and control mechanisms across the plant.
• Strategy & Data-Driven Analysis: Capability to interpret operational and financial data, analyze plant performance metrics, and support management in strategic decision-making.
• Manufacturing Financial Insight: Experience in evaluating capital investments, production costs, and ROI for R&D and process improvement initiatives.
• R&D & Product Innovation: Hands-on experience in new product development, design improvement, and cross-functional coordination for innovation projects.

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Education: B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering. MBA preferred.
• Experience: 15-20 years in manufacturing operations, with at least 5+ years in a senior management role in the packaging or capital equipment industry.
• Expertise: Plant management, production planning, product development, R&D coordination, supply chain liaison (China preferred), and installation/servicing of industrial equipment.
• Skills: Leadership, technical knowledge, strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, analytical thinking, and communication skills.