General Manager - Machine Shop

Role & responsibilities

• Lead production managers, engineers, supervisors, programmers, operators, inspectors, and support personnel.
• Ensure production targets are achieved within the planned quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) parameters.
• Managing the Production of Machine shop and its functions, including subcontract machining.
• To increase the productivity and follow systematic approach to reduce the rejection ppm levels both at in-house and from customer end.
• Review machining processes for productivity and cost optimization.
• To work with all internal departments to improve the OEE of Machine shop
• To continuously reduce the rejection ppm levels both at in-house and from customer end.
• To implement SMED concepts in machine shop and reduce setup time.
• Identify the skill gap for the team and facilitate training for the same.
• To work on continuous improvement/ kaizen practices to reduce costs.
• To ensure systems are implemented in line with QMS requirements and maintain QMS documents to ISO/TS 16949 standard requirements.
• To improve the machining process for existing components.
• Control machining costs, consumables, tooling & electricity.
• Ensure robust new product development process and practice first time right approach.
• Maintain Safety environment within the Plant.
• Ensure effective utilization and maintain the assets of the Plant.
• Benchmark machining processes and adopt best practices.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the machine shop, including CNC/VMC/HMC turning, milling, grinding, and related machining activities.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Monitor machine utilization, productivity, OEE, downtime, and overall shop efficiency.
• Ensure products are manufactured according to drawings, specifications, tolerances, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Purchase, Stores, and Sales teams.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for production, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Control manufacturing costs, overtime, consumables, tooling, scrap, and rework.
• Lead continuous-improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, and waste reduction.
• Ensure preventive and breakdown maintenance programs are effectively implemented.
• Maintain adequate availability of raw materials, cutting tools, fixtures, and other production requirements.
• Develop and implement SOPs, work instructions, and standard operating practices.
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements and statutory regulations.
• Work with customers and senior management to resolve technical, quality, delivery, and commercial issues.
• Support quotation and costing activities by providing accurate machining time, manpower, tooling, and capacity information.
• Prepare and review operational budgets and contribute to annual business planning.
• Analyze production data and implement corrective and preventive actions for recurring problems.
• Ensure proper documentation and traceability of production and quality records.
• Drive a culture of accountability, discipline, quality consciousness, and continuous improvement.

Preferred candidate profile

• Diploma/B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Typically 2430+ years of experience in machining/manufacturing, with significant managerial experience.
• Strong experience in CNC machining and machine-shop operations.
• Experience with production planning, capacity planning, costing, quality systems, and maintenance.
• Good understanding of engineering drawings, GD&T, cutting tools, fixtures, machining processes, and inspection methods.
• Experience managing teams and multiple production functions.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and MS Office.

Desired Leadership Competencies

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Production and business-oriented mindset
• Excellent people-management skills
• Customer-focused approach
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under delivery and cost pressures
• Data-driven approach to performance management
• Ability to lead organizational and process changes