Deputy Manager - Automation - Plant operations Lead

Job Description:

Plant Operations Lead
Position Summary
The Plant Operations Lead is responsible for overseeing daily plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production activities. This role leads production teams, drives operational excellence initiatives, ensures compliance with quality and safety standards, and supports continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.
The ideal candidate combines strong leadership, technical operations knowledge, problem-solving capability, and experience in managing plant performance, productivity, and workforce engagement.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
Lead and supervise day-to-day plant operations to meet production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules.
Monitor production performance, downtime, efficiency, and resource utilization.
Coordinate with maintenance, quality, supply chain, and engineering teams to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Ensure optimal machine utilization and production planning execution.
Drive adherence to SOPs, EHS, and company operational standards.
Team Leadership
Manage, mentor, and develop plant supervisors, operators, and shift teams.
Conduct workforce planning, shift allocation, and performance management.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Lead shift meetings and operational reviews.
Safety & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with safety regulations, environmental policies, and statutory requirements.
Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective action follow-ups.
Promote zero-incident culture and safe work practices across the plant.
Continuous Improvement
Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve OEE.
Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or Kaizen initiatives.
Analyze operational data and KPIs to drive decision-making and corrective actions.
Quality & Performance
Ensure products meet quality specifications and customer requirements.
Collaborate with QA/QC teams to address non-conformities and CAPA actions.
Track and report key operational metrics including:  Production output
OEE
Downtime
Scrap/rejection rates
Labor productivity
Safety metrics

Stakeholder Coordination
Work closely with procurement, warehouse, logistics, maintenance, and planning teams.
Support audits, inspections, and management reviews.
Participate in budgeting, capacity planning, and operational strategy discussions.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
3-10 years of experience in manufacturing or plant operations.
Minimum 3-5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and plant KPIs.

Experience with ERP/MES systems and production reporting tools.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in SPM manufacturing knowldge
Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification preferred.
Exposure to ISO standards and audit management.
Experience managing multi-shift operations.
Key Competencies
Operational Excellence
Team Leadership
Decision Making
Process Optimization
Safety Management
Analytical Thinking
Conflict Resolution
Performance Management
Cross-functional Collaboration