Operations Head

Job Description:

Summary:

• The incumbent will be leading operations with primary responsibility in the initial years for the installation & commissioning of projects together with the delivery of project quality & customer satisfaction.
• In the initial years, the incumbent will also be responsible for setting up the operations function including instituting appropriate policies, systems and processes. The role will eventually graduate to include more responsibilities in terms of product development, sourcing and/or project management.
• Experience: Extensive experience in leading the Installation & Commissioning of Mechanical/Electrical projects in the Agri/Food industry, including operation & maintenance.
• Skills: Combination of engineering, commercial skills and leadership skills to deliver high-quality projects and ensure customer satisfaction throughout the customer life cycle.

 Installation & Commissioning | Operation & Maintenance

• Build, direct & supervise team of Installation and Commissioning (I&C), Operation & Maintenance (O&M)
• Design maintenance schedule during the warranty and out-of-warranty period
• Develop SOPs to ensure quality & efficiency in I&C and O&M
• Build training modules to impart training to the internal team/customers.
• Set up customer redressal systems [customer service department].

 Quality Assurance/Quality Control:

• Create and implement quality management plans specific to agri-machinery products.
• Be accountable for quality assurance activities & ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Lead initiatives to get relevant quality certification including ISO certifications.
• Institute systems & processes to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Work with design, sourcing, manufacturing & service teams to address/resolve quality issues
• Track quality metrics, analyze data, and report on performance to support project goals.

 Set-up Operations Function:

• Complement CEO in setting up operations function including team building, and formulation of appropriate systems, processes & policies.

 Contract manufacturing & Vendor development [at a later stage]

• Led sourcing team for vendor development and management of contract manufacturers.
• Led & directed identification & development of contract manufacturers [fabrication vendors], basis identified parameters and quality benchmarks, for equipment manufacturing
• Work in close collaboration with vendors to:
  • Achieve manufacturing and delivery lead times and reduce Time-to-Market
  • Optimize design and cost, including the cost of outsourced components
  • Improvise product quality and efficiency
• Manage vendors’ relationships to evolve them as long-term strategic partners.

 Product life cycle management

• Led & directed the E&D team for product life cycle management from ideation to launch
• Collaborate with and manage external partners for continuous improvement with a focus on capacity, cost & efficiency.
• Work in close coordination with sales to adapt products based on market feedback and with technology teams for optimization.
• Build internal and external design capabilities; apply target costing for custom solutions.

 Qualification:

• Mechanical Engineering (B. Tech/M. Tech)
• Management qualification/certification would be an added advantage.

 Experience:

• 10 years of strong experience in Operations Management including installation & commissioning, operation & maintenance, quality management, project management, sourcing and contract manufacturing.
• Added advantage if the candidate exhibits Design Thinking & First Principle thinking.

 Skills:

• Technical skills: Batch Process engineering [Agri/Food processing is an advantage], Material movement, Blending (Reaction), Pressure testing, Drying, and Cooling.
• Leadership skills: Ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team.
• Commercial skills: Ability to negotiate and optimize costs with vendors.
• Behavioral skills: Problem-solving, Make-it-Happen approach, Project Management.
• The role involves reasonable travelling to customer sites for installation & commissioning.

Desired Profile / Criteria / Skills :

Skills: 

• Technical skills: Domain expertise or experience in all or most of the following areas:
• Process technologies [batch & continuous processing], material movement, blending, drying, cooling, and digital technologies. 
• Leadership skills: Ability to work in a cross-functional environment and lead a team of engineers, designers, installation managers and operators 
• Commercial skills: Ability to negotiate and optimize cost with vendors 
• Behavioral skills: Agility, Make-it-Happen approach, Project Management.