Operational Head – OEM Production (COO Level) The Operational Head will own end-to-end responsibility for OEM production operations — from production planning and shop-floor execution to quality, delivery, cost control and people leadership. This is a COO-level mandate: the incumbent will act as the senior-most operations leader for the OEM manufacturing vertical, driving plant performance, OEM customer satisfaction, and operational scale-up, while working closely with the Managing Director and leadership team on strategy and growth. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ● Own full P&L responsibility for OEM production operations, driving productivity, cost efficiency and profitability across the plant. ● Lead end-to-end manufacturing operations — production planning, shop-floor execution, capacity planning, and on-time OEM delivery. ● Build and scale OEM production capability, including new line set-up, process standardization, and capacity expansion to meet growing OEM order volumes. ● Drive quality systems (IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 / customer-specific OEM standards) to ensure zero-defect delivery and strong OEM customer audits. ● Establish and monitor operational KPIs — OEE, first-pass yield, on-time-in-full (OTIF), scrap/rework, cost per unit — and drive continuous improvement (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma). ● Manage supply chain, procurement and inventory planning in coordination with SCM to ensure uninterrupted OEM production. ● Lead, mentor and build a strong second line of plant leadership across Production, Quality, Maintenance, Planning and Warehouse functions. ● Act as the key operational point of contact for OEM/automotive customers on capacity, quality, delivery commitments and new program launches (APQP/PPAP). ● Ensure compliance with statutory, safety (EHS) and regulatory requirements across the plant. ● Partner with the Managing Director and senior leadership on capital investment planning, new plant/line set-up, automation initiatives, and long-term operational strategy. ● Drive a strong performance and accountability culture across the OEM production organization. REQUIRED QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE ● Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with a substantial portion in the Automotive and/or Cable Harness / Wire Harness industry. ● Proven experience managing OEM production programs, including new product launches (APQP/PPAP), OEM audits and customer quality requirements. ● Prior experience in a senior plant leadership role — Plant Head / VP Operations / COO / Operational Head — with full P&L and team leadership accountability. ● Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and modern production/planning systems (ERP/MRP). ● Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Production/Industrial); MBA or equivalent management qualification preferred. ● Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing capacity and leading large, multi-functional plant teams. KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES ● Strategic operations leadership with hands-on shop-floor orientation ● Strong OEM/automotive customer management and program execution ● Cable harness / wire harness manufacturing process expertise ● P&L ownership, cost control and operational excellence mindset ● Team building, people leadership and change management ● Data-driven decision-making and KPI-led performance management ● High ownership, urgency and ability to join immediately