Section Head - Assembly

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

The Section Head - Assembly will take a central role in overseeing all facets of tractor and transmission assembly operations within the Swaraj Division at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. This leadership position demands strategic planning, operational execution, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure outstanding performance across safety, quality, productivity, delivery, cost control, and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive achievement of daily, monthly, and annual production targets by closely monitoring output and proactively addressing gaps.
• Enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and foster increased efficiency in assembly and painting departments through best practices and innovative approaches.
• Responsible for managing SPQRCE metrics (Safety, Productivity, Quality, Cost, Environment) on the shop floor, providing consistent updates and taking corrective measures as needed.
• Implement and oversee daily work management routines, applying the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology to control and improve critical process parameters.
• Lead detailed root cause analyses and resolve complex issues related to quality, cost overruns, and productivity shortcomings, ensuring sustainable improvements.
• Coach and mentor assembly cell members, nurturing a culture that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Champion Lean manufacturing principles and drive initiatives that leverage technology and process innovation for enhanced operational excellence.
• Manage comprehensive tractor assembly processes from planning through execution, guaranteeing seamless workflows and minimal downtime.
• Lead manufacturing excellence programs and reinforce quality management systems to uphold the highest product standards.
• Develop and manage annual departmental budgets, with a focus on optimizing operational expenditures and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Promote and enforce The Mahindra Safety Way standards, steering safety committee activities, and striving for an accident-free workplace.
• Drive environmental sustainability efforts by implementing robust Environment Management Systems (EMS) in line with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure strict compliance with statutory obligations as dictated by the Plant Compliance Committee, maintaining legal and regulatory adherence throughout assembly operations.
• Effectively manage employee relations across a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
• Facilitate productivity enhancements through Lean tools such as MOST (Maynard Operation Sequence Technique) and oversee manpower planning aligned with production needs.
• Lead digitization initiatives on the shop floor, utilizing data analytics to support problem-solving and drive informed decision-making.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver training and development programs targeting officers and managers to build capability and succession planning.
• Collaborate with Product Quality teams to implement and review Manufacturing Quality Plans that ensure consistent product excellence and reduce defects.
• Monitor and enhance internal quality metrics while undertaking improvement projects that raise external customer satisfaction.
• Develop corrective and preventive action plans to address product and process quality concerns, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Facilitate smooth launch and ramp-up of new product manufacturing, ensuring readiness and capability to meet market demands.

This role demands a proactive mindset, strong leadership, and collaboration to achieve operational goals while upholding the reputation of Mahindra & Mahindra as a leader in manufacturing excellence.

Preferred Industries

Education Qualification

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree specialising in Mechanical, Automobile, Production, or Industrial Engineering. This strong technical foundation is essential to comprehend complex manufacturing processes and drive advancements in assembly operations.

Additionally, possessing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is highly valued to equip the candidate with strategic management, leadership, and business acumen skills required for this senior role.

Educational qualifications should reflect a commitment to continuous learning, with an openness to advanced certifications or training in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Quality Management Systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies considered advantageous.

Candidates who have pursued additional professional development courses relevant to safety management, environmental standards, and labour law will be especially well-suited to meet the multi-dimensional demands of this position.

General Experience

We seek professionals with extensive industry experience ranging between 15 to 20 years in manufacturing operations, particularly within automotive and tractor assembly environments. A candidate profile typically aligns with an age range near to 40 years, representing a blend of maturity and dynamic leadership potential.

Experience must encompass multi-disciplinary collaboration involving stakeholders across Product Quality, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Research & Development (R&D), Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, Employee Relations, Finance, Maintenance, Sales, and Customer Service. This exposure ensures holistic understanding of manufacturing ecosystems and fosters seamless integration of assembly operations with other functional areas.

Demonstrated history of managing large teams and complex projects in high-volume production settings is essential, alongside a proven track record of meeting stringent performance metrics and operational KPIs.

The ability to adapt and lead through change in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining employee engagement and operational excellence, is critical for success in this role.

Critical Experience

The candidate must possess robust expertise in strategic execution and possess exceptional leadership capabilities to steer cross-functional teams towards achieving manufacturing objectives. Advanced communication skills are crucial, bridging technical and managerial domains to ensure clear, effective stakeholder engagement.

In-depth knowledge of operation management with a focus on transmission assembly processes is mandatory, including familiarity with the end-to-end production cycle and equipment capabilities.

Mastery of advanced problem-solving techniques and Lean manufacturing principles, combined with hands-on experience in implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), forms the backbone of the critical experience required.

The role demands a strong drive for results, coupled with an understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies to integrate digital transformation and data-driven decision-making into production workflows.

Expertise in stakeholder management, legal compliance including labour laws, and environment, health, and safety management systems underscores the candidate’s ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and maintain operational integrity.

Essential behavioural competencies include collaboration, agility, and bold decision-making, supporting a culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement. Knowledge of methodologies such as MOST and compliance frameworks like the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards will be beneficial to effectively manage manpower and operational practices.

System Generated Secondary Skills