Head - Production - Caravan Manufacturing/Bus Body Building

Job Description - Production Head (Bus Body Building & Caravan Manufacturing)Position Title: Production Head - Bus Body & Caravan ManufacturingDepartment: Manufacturing / ProductionReports to: ManagementLocation: chennaiRole Purpose:The Production Head is responsible for leading and managing the entire bus body building and caravan manufacturing operations, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, quality compliance, and innovation in design and fabrication. This role requires strong expertise in automobile body fabrication, assembly line management, and customization of caravans/mobile units, while maintaining safety, quality, and productivity standards.Key Responsibilities:Production Planning & Control:- Develop and implement production schedules to meet delivery timelines for buses and caravans.- Coordinate with design/R&D teams to translate drawings and client specifications into production-ready plans.- Ensure optimal capacity utilization, resource allocation, and workflow management.- Implement lean manufacturing practices to reduce wastage and cycle time.Manufacturing Operations:- Oversee fabrication, welding, painting, electrical fitting, plumbing, and final assembly of bus bodies and caravans.- Ensure integration of interiors (furniture, upholstery, kitchen, bathroom, A/C, multimedia systems) in caravans.- Monitor shop-floor operations and resolve technical/production bottlenecks.- Enforce compliance with automobile body building regulations, AIS/BIS standards, and safety norms.Quality & Compliance:- Establish and monitor quality assurance systems for raw materials, in-process work, and finished vehicles.- Ensure caravan builds meet durability, comfort, and safety requirements.- Conduct regular audits on fabrication, electrical systems, and finish quality.- Ensure adherence to ISO/TS automotive standards, EHS guidelines, and client-specific approvals.Cost & Resource Management:- Optimize material usage, inventory, and vendor coordination.- Control production costs while maintaining high-quality outcomes.- Coordinate with procurement for steel, aluminum, panels, glass, paint, fixtures, and caravan-specific fittings.- Drive automation and process improvements for efficiency and cost reduction.Team Leadership:- Lead supervisors, engineers, and shop-floor teams across welding, fabrication, painting, electrical, and assembly.- Provide technical training, mentorship, and workforce productivity management.- Foster a culture of discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement.Technology & Innovation:- Introduce modern tools, jigs, fixtures, and CNC/robotic applications for precision manufacturing.- Work closely with R&D for innovative caravan concepts, luxury finishes, and modular interiors.- Keep updated with global bus & caravan design trends.Client Coordination:- Liaise with clients for custom design requirements, modifications, and approvals.- Support prototype development and oversee client inspections.- Ensure on-time delivery and client satisfaction.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- On-time production & delivery vs. schedule.- Production cost vs. budget.- Rework / rejection rates.- Shop-floor productivity & efficiency (output per man-hour).- Compliance with safety, quality, and statutory norms.- Client satisfaction & repeat business for caravan projects.Qualifications & Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Automobile Engineering (Master's preferred).- 15+ years' experience in manufacturing, with at least 5+ years in bus body building / caravan / specialty vehicle production.- Strong knowledge of fabrication, automotive design, electrical & mechanical integration.- Proven leadership experience in managing large production facilities.- Familiarity with ERP / Production planning software.Skills & Competencies:- Expertise in vehicle body building & caravan customization.- Strong leadership and shop-floor management skills.- Analytical and problem-solving mindset.- Ability to balance cost, quality, and timelines.- Vendor negotiation & coordination skills.- Excellent communication and client-facing abilities. (ref:iimjobs.com)