Deputy Manager - Production (Front Axle)

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As the Deputy Manager - Front Axle and Hydraulics at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the production processes within the Farm Division’s manufacturing unit. Your primary responsibilities will include:

• Leading the production team to ensure efficient and high-quality manufacturing of Front Axle and Hydraulic components, aligning with the company's strategic objectives.
• Implementing and maintaining robust process controls and quality management systems such as TS 16949 and ISO 14001 to ensure adherence to global standards.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Coordinating cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain departments to streamline workflows and resolve production bottlenecks promptly.
• Ensuring compliance with Occupational Health and Safety standards (OHSAS 18001) to maintain a safe working environment for all employees on the shop floor.
• Managing workforce development through effective leadership, coaching, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Utilising customer feedback and stakeholder inputs to drive enhancement in product performance, reliability, and service orientation in the final output.
• Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as PQCDSM (Productivity, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety & Morale) to align operational delivery with business goals.
• Developing and executing production schedules to meet volume targets while maintaining optimal resource utilization and cost efficiency.
• Championing sustainability initiatives in line with corporate environmental policies, focusing on reduction of waste, energy consumption, and environmental footprint.

This role requires a hands-on leader who demonstrates strategic foresight and the ability to innovate within the manufacturing domain while motivating their team towards operational excellence.

Preferred Industries

Education Qualification

The ideal candidate will hold formal qualifications in mechanical or automobile disciplines, essential to understanding the technical intricacies of front axle and hydraulic systems used in agricultural machinery manufacturing:

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering
• Bachelors of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering or Automobile Engineering

Additional certifications or training in production management, quality management systems (such as TS 16949), Lean manufacturing, or occupational health and safety management will be considered an advantageous asset. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in mechanical systems design, manufacturing processes, hydraulics, and process optimization to enable informed leadership and decision-making on the shop floor.

General Experience

Applicants should possess substantial experience in manufacturing environments, with a focus on the production of automotive components, particularly in the agricultural machinery sector. The expected general experience requirements include:

• For candidates with a B.Tech degree: Minimum of 3 to 6 years of relevant industrial experience, preferably in a production or manufacturing management role.
• For candidates with a Diploma: Minimum of 7 to 10 years of comprehensive experience in mechanical or automobile production environments.

The experience must exhibit a progressive responsibility trajectory in shop floor management, production scheduling, quality control, and team leadership. Individual exposure to process improvement initiatives, employee development programs, and compliance with international standards (ISO, OHSAS) is critical. Experience in stakeholder management and customer-oriented production is highly valued, highlighting the ability to align operational tasks with broader company goals and customer satisfaction.

Critical Experience

Critical experience for this role spans specific technical and managerial competencies essential for effective leadership in manufacturing:

• Deep expertise in assembly and testing procedures for front axle and hydraulic systems in automotive or farm vehicle production.
• Demonstrated success in deploying quality management systems such as TS 16949 and robust process documentation to ensure error-free production cycles.
• Proven track record of implementing continuous improvement methodologies including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM to drive productivity and quality enhancements.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, ensuring productive collaboration between technical teams, suppliers, and customers to foster innovation and service excellence.
• Competence in occupational health and safety management, ensuring adherence to OHSAS 18001 standards and promoting a safety-first culture.
• Ability to manage and develop teams effectively, driving skill development initiatives that enhance workforce capability and engagement.
• Experience in managing product lifecycle considerations, embracing sustainability drivers and integrating triple bottom line principles into manufacturing operations.
• Capability to lead through change, act as a catalyst for innovation, and take calculated risks fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the production environment.

Candidates should demonstrate strategic business perspective coupled with operational excellence, relating to customer focus, quality passion, and accountability for results. This rich blend of experiences will enable the candidate to thrive in the demanding but rewarding environment at Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Division.

System Generated Core Skills

System Generated Secondary Skills