Head - Production - Caravan Manufacturing/Bus Body Building

Job Description - Production Head (Bus Body Building & Caravan Manufacturing)

Position Title: Production Head - Bus Body & Caravan Manufacturing

Department: Manufacturing / Production

Reports to: Management

Location: chennai

Role 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.

)