Production Manager

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Manager - Production to lead our production operations at our Pilkhuwa facility. This is a pivotal role requiring 10+ years of demonstrated expertise in aerospace and defence manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be a champion of production excellence and continuous improvement, with a proven track record of optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and delivering superior quality while maintaining operational efficiency.As Manager - Production, you will oversee all aspects of production planning, execution, and control, ensuring that our manufacturing operations meet stringent aerospace and defence industry standards while driving sustainable cost reductions and process improvements.Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Planning & ExecutionPlan, develop, and execute comprehensive production schedules aligned with customer demand and organizational objectivesCoordinate production activities across all departments to ensure timely delivery of components and finished productsManage production resources, including equipment, facilities, materials, and manpower allocationEstablish and enforce standard work instructions, procedures, and protocols across production floorEnsure all production activities comply with aerospace and defence regulatory requirements and quality standardsProduction Excellence & Quality ManagementEstablish, monitor, and enforce quality control standards at every stage of the manufacturing processLead implementation of quality assurance processes to ensure zero-defect manufacturing cultureConduct regular quality audits and coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address non-conformancesMaintain comprehensive quality documentation and traceability as per AS9100 and other relevant certificationsCollaborate closely with Quality Assurance teams to optimize product quality and customer satisfactionContinuous Improvement & Process OptimizationChampion a culture of continuous improvement across the production department, fostering innovation and excellenceIdentify, analyze, and eliminate non-value-added activities, bottlenecks, and waste using Lean Manufacturing principlesImplement and oversee Lean methodologies (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, etc.) to enhance operational efficiencyDrive Six Sigma and process improvement initiatives to reduce defects, cycle times, and manufacturing costsEstablish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure production efficiency, quality, and safety performanceConduct root cause analysis of production issues and implement sustainable solutionsLead regular process reviews and improvement workshops with cross-functional teamsCost Management & Budget ControlDevelop, manage, and monitor production budgets and cost controlsIdentify cost reduction opportunities and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency without compromising qualityMonitor manufacturing expenses, overtime, and resource utilization to optimize cost performanceNegotiate with suppliers and vendors to ensure material availability and competitive pricingImplement cost-effective solutions while maintaining highest quality standardsTeam Leadership & DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop a team of production supervisors, engineers, and operational staffEstablish clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback for continuous employee developmentConduct training programs in safety, quality, continuous improvement methodologies, and technical skillsFoster a high-performance culture emphasizing safety, quality, accountability, and professional growthAddress performance issues and maintain discipline while promoting employee engagement and moraleEnsure adequate staffing levels and capacity planning based on production demandSafety & ComplianceEnsure strict adherence to occupational health and safety (OH&S) regulations and company safety policiesImplement and monitor safety protocols, including machinery safeguards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practicesConduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and safety drills to maintain a zero-accident workplaceInvestigate and report workplace incidents, accidents, and near-misses with corrective action plansMaintain compliance with DGMS, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and aerospace-specific safety requirementsCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Engineering, Design, and Quality teams to ensure manufacturability and process optimizationCollaborate with Supply Chain and Procurement for timely material availability and vendor managementInterface with customer representatives and manage customer requirements and expectationsWork with HR and administration on workforce planning, recruitment, and organizational needsCommunicate effectively with senior management on production performance, challenges, and strategic initiativesPerformance Monitoring & ReportingMonitor and analyze production metrics including on-time delivery, quality rates, efficiency percentages, and safety recordsPrepare comprehensive production reports for management review and strategic decision-makingTrack progress against KPIs and continuously optimize processes to meet or exceed targetsMaintain detailed production records, schedules, and documentation as per aerospace compliance requirementsKey Competencies & SkillsTechnical Expertise10+ years of progressive experience in production management, preferably in aerospace, defence, or related manufacturing sectorsDeep understanding of aerospace and defence manufacturing processes, quality standards (AS9100, ISO 9001, etc.), and regulatory complianceProficiency in production planning, scheduling, and resource managementStrong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologiesExperience with production planning software, ERP systems, and MS Office (Excel, Project)Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems and manufacturing execution systems (MES) is advantageousLeadership & People ManagementProven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teamsStrong supervisory and management skills with experience managing multiple teams and complex operationsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levelsCoaching and mentoring orientation with focus on employee growth and capability buildingAbility to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountabilityProblem-Solving & Analytical SkillsStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated ability to identify root causesData-driven decision-making approach with comfort in analyzing production metrics and KPIsCreative thinking to identify process improvements and cost reduction opportunitiesAbility to prioritize multiple tasks and manage complex, dynamic production environmentsOperational ExcellenceDemonstrated track record of improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing qualityCommitment to operational excellence, zero-defect philosophy, and customer satisfactionAdaptability and resilience in fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environmentsProactive approach to identifying and addressing operational challengesProject ManagementCapability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneouslyExperience in implementing new processes, systems, or equipmentAbility to plan, execute, and monitor improvement initiatives from conception to completionRequired QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent disciplineDiploma in Production/Manufacturing Management from recognized institutionPost-graduate certification in operations or production management is a plusExperienceMinimum 10+ years of demonstrated experience in production management or manufacturing operationsMinimum 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial role with responsibility for production teamsPreferred experience in aerospace, defence, automotive, or heavy manufacturing sectorsProven track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives and achieving measurable resultsExperience with AS9100 or other aerospace quality management systemsFamiliarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologiesTechnical CompetenciesProficiency in MS Excel, MS Project, and ERP softwareKnowledge of production planning systems and scheduling toolsWorking knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and compliance documentationCertifications (Preferred)Certified in Lean Management or Six Sigma (Yellow Belt or above)ISO 9001 or AS9100 auditor certificationProject Management Professional (PMP) certificationProfessional AttributesIntegrity and ethical conduct with strong adherence to company valuesDetail-oriented with meticulous attention to accuracy and complianceResults-oriented with demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed targetsStrong organizational and time management skillsAbility to work under pressure and meet tight deadlinesCustomer-centric mindset with focus on service excellenceCollaborative spirit with openness to feedback and continuous learningMaturity and emotional intelligence in handling interpersonal challengesSalary & BenefitsSalary Range: 15,00,000 to 16,00,000 per annum (subject to experience and expertise)Location: Pilkhuwa, Haryana, IndiaBenefits Package:Comprehensive health insurance (self + family)Provident Fund (PF) and GratuityPerformance-based bonus/incentivesProfessional development and training opportunitiesCareer advancement opportunities in aerospace and defence sectorFriendly work environment in a growing organizationWorking ConditionsFull-time position requiring 5-day work week (potential weekend/shift flexibility as operational needs dictate)On-site role at Pilkhuwa facility with occasional travel for supplier visits, customer meetings, or industry eventsStandard office and production floor responsibilitiesPotential on-call availability during critical production periods