Production Head

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.