Head of Operations/Plant Head

CRA is an engineering company with over 30 years of experience delivering custom-engineered systems to the Energy and Defence sectors. We design and manufacture robust, high-performance solutions including combustion systems, biogas processing packages, gas flaring systems, and defence-grade weapon handling equipment.

Everything we build is manufactured in-house — from mechanical fabrication to assembly and testing — enabling us to serve some of the most demanding industrial and military applications worldwide.

Our manufacturing operations span two units in the NCR region and are supported by in-house design, engineering, QA, and procurement teams. We are now strengthening our operational leadership as we prepare for ERP implementation, ISO 9001 & AS9100D certification, and long-term scale.

We are hiring a Head of Operations to lead and professionalize all aspects of execution across our two manufacturing facilities. This is a hands-on role that includes responsibility for production, planning, stores, procurement follow-up, quality, maintenance, facility management, vendor coordination, fire safety, ERP rollout, ISO/QMS implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a high-ownership role for someone who thrives on building systems, managing teams, and delivering complex industrial projects on time and to quality.

• Oversee production across fabrication, machining (24/7), assembly, and testing
  

• Ensure project-wise execution against daily, weekly, and monthly plans
  

• Supervise shift-wise teams and maintain production discipline
  

• Chair Daily Production Reviews (DPRs) and ensure data-led decision-making
  

• Create and monitor production plans linked to project requirements
  

• Balance loads between both units based on priority and capacity
  

• Coordinate with Design, Procurement, and QA for material and drawing readiness
  

• Ensure discipline in GRN, binning, MRS, and inventory traceability
  

• Minimise stock-outs, over-issuance, and material misplacement
  

• Follow up with procurement to ensure timely availability of critical items
  

• Lead preventive and breakdown maintenance across all plant equipment
  

• Maintain spares logs, AMC schedules, and uptime records
  

• Oversee infrastructure and facility upkeep — compressed air, power, cranes, etc.
  

• Supervise in-process and final inspection routines
  

• Ensure closure of NCRs, CAPAs, and traceability documentation
  

• Drive fire safety preparedness and EHS compliance across both units
  

• Coordinate with third-party vendors for coating, packaging, or outsourced items
  

• Align vendor lead times with CRA's delivery schedules
  

• Address delivery delays and external rejections
  

• Serve as the operations lead for ERP rollout across both units
  

• Map processes across production, QA, stores, and maintenance
  

• Train teams and drive post-go-live adoption of ERP tools
  

• Lead ISO 9001 implementation and readiness for AS9100D certification
  

• Define and standardise SOPs, inspection checklists, and control plans
  

• Manage internal audits, quality records, and certification timelines
  

• Deploy 5S and visual management across shopfloor, stores, and utilities
  

• Facilitate Kaizen projects to eliminate recurring issues
  

• Use lean tools (takt time, line balancing, root cause analysis) to improve throughput
  

• Promote team-led problem solving and bottom-up suggestions
  

• Manage team across Production, Planning, Stores, QA, Maintenance, Admin
  

• Build a culture of ownership, daily performance, and structured reporting
  

• Mentor supervisors and junior managers; resolve inter-departmental issues
  

• Drive staffing discipline, team morale, and operational stability
  

Education

• B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical / Production / Industrial Engineering
  

• Certifications in QMS, Lean, Six Sigma, or ISO preferred
  

Experience

• 10–15 years in manufacturing operations, with 3+ years in senior operations leadership
  

• Must have experience in fabrication, machining, assembly-based industries
  

• Hands-on exposure to ERP and QMS implementation
  

• Experience with custom-engineered, project-based manufacturing preferred
  

Skills

• Strong execution mindset, team leadership, and cross-functional coordination
  

• Proven ability to build systems, enforce discipline, and manage change
  

• Fluency in Excel, Google Sheets, ERP systems, and production tracking
  

• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives
  
• Generous leave policy and flexible work arrangements
  
• Comprehensive group medical insurance covering you and your family
  
• Professional development opportunities and a dedicated training budget
  
• Regular performance reviews with clear advancement criteria
  
• Exposure to industry leaders and cutting-edge projects
  
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
  
• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects in critical sectors
  
• Recognition programs for exceptional contributions
  
• Team events and activities to foster a strong company culture