Senior Manager - Production

Position Title: Production Head Vacuum Interrupters

Department : Operations / Manufacturing / Production

Location : Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Position Summary

The Production Head will be responsible for leading the end-to-end manufacturing operations of Vacuum Interrupters (VIs) used in medium and high-voltage switchgear applications. The role requires extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in Vacuum Brazing, Vacuum Sintering, Powder Metallurgy, Ceramic-to-Metal Sealing, Assembly, Testing, and Process Control associated with Vacuum Interrupter manufacturing.

The incumbent will ensure achievement of production targets, quality standards, cost optimization, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives while effectively managing a team of approximately 50 production personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Lead and manage complete manufacturing operations for Vacuum Interrupters.
• Plan, execute, and monitor daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Ensure production targets are achieved in line with customer delivery commitments.
• Optimize machine utilization, manpower deployment, and production efficiency.
• Monitor and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Process Expertise

• Drive manufacturing processes involving:

• Vacuum Brazing

• Vacuum Sintering

• Powder Metallurgy

• Contact manufacturing and assembly

• Ceramic-to-Metal brazing and sealing

• Vacuum processing and evacuation systems

• Final assembly and testing of Vacuum Interrupters

• Establish and maintain process parameters to ensure consistent product quality.

• Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement corrective actions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of approximately 50 production employees, including supervisors, operators, technicians, and shift personnel.
• Conduct performance reviews and skill development programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure adherence to product specifications, process standards, and quality requirements.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, and R&D teams to resolve production and process issues.
• Drive reduction of process variation, defects, rejection, and rework.
• Support customer audits and quality system compliance.

Process Improvement & Productivity

• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Lead productivity improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
• Analyze production data and establish KPIs for continuous monitoring.
• Drive automation and process optimization projects.

Maintenance & Equipment Management

• Coordinate with Maintenance teams to ensure high equipment uptime.
• Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance schedules are effectively implemented.
• Participate in selection, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and processes.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and statutory requirements.
• Promote a zero-accident culture within the production facility.
• Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments.

Inventory & Resource Management

• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Stores to ensure uninterrupted availability of raw materials and consumables.
• Monitor production consumptions and reduce process wastage.
• Maintain optimum inventory levels for production continuity.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Production Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• 12–18 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Minimum 8–10 years of direct experience in Vacuum Interrupter manufacturing.

• Proven experience in:

• Vacuum Brazing Furnaces

• Vacuum Sintering Processes

• Powder Metallurgy Components

• Ceramic-Metal Joining Technologies

• High Vacuum Systems

• Production Planning and Control

• Experience in managing teams of 50+ personnel.

Technical Competencies

• Vacuum Interrupter Design & Manufacturing
• Vacuum Brazing Technology
• Vacuum Sintering Technology
• Powder Metallurgy Processes
• Furnace Process Control
• Vacuum Leak Testing
• Ceramic Metallization & Sealing
• Process Validation & Qualification
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• SPC, FMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma Tools
• ERP/MRP Systems
• Production Planning & Scheduling

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong Leadership & People Management
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Analytical Thinking
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Result Orientation
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• High Accountability & Ownership

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production Target Achievement (%)
• On-Time Delivery Performance (OTD)
• First Pass Yield (FPY)
• Rejection and Scrap Reduction
• OEE Improvement
• Cost per Unit Reduction
• Safety Performance
• Machine Utilization
• Inventory Turnover
• Employee Productivity and Skill Development

Preferred Industry Background

Candidates from the following industries will be preferred:

• Vacuum Interrupter Manufacturing
• Switchgear Manufacturing
• High Voltage / Medium Voltage Equipment
• Electrical Power Equipment
• Powder Metallurgy Components
• Vacuum Furnace Manufacturing
• Electrical Contacts Manufacturing

Position Level: Manager / Senior Manager – Production (depending on experience and organizational structure).