Operations Head - Precision Manufacturing

About the Role

As Operations Head at Cohera Automations Private Limited, you will oversee comprehensive manufacturing operations ensuring top-tier safety, quality, delivery, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction. You will manage production, quality control, maintenance, planning, supply chain coordination, customer relations, process engineering, and continuous improvement within a CNC machining environment.

This leadership role entails guiding a skilled team producing precision components for Aerospace, Defence, Medical Devices, Industrial Equipment, and Automation sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage machining operations including Vertical Machining Centres (VMC), CNC Turning Centres, 5-Axis Machining Centres, and Turn-Mill Machines.
• Maximize the usage of manpower, machinery, tooling, and floor space to achieve operational excellence and meet business goals.
• Plan and control production aligning with customer schedules, track performance metrics, and enhance throughput by reducing cycle and setup times.
• Guarantee timely delivery of all customer orders and uphold strict adherence to quality standards and customer specifications.
• Promote a zero-defect manufacturing culture by leading root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Support maintenance activities by establishing preventive and predictive systems to maximize machine uptime and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Collaborate with CNC programming and engineering teams to improve machining strategies, tooling, and processes using Lean methodologies including TPM, Kaizen, 5S, and SMED.
• Manage suppliers for tooling, raw materials, subcontracted services, heat treatment, and coatings, ensuring material availability and supplier performance.
• Act as the primary liaison for key customers, participating in technical reviews, product introductions, and resolving operational concerns promptly.
• Lead and develop teams across Production, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, Stores, and Manufacturing Engineering, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, cost control initiatives, and productivity improvements supporting strategic business planning and capacity growth.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, with a preference for a Master’s degree.
• 15 to 20 years' experience in precision CNC machining and manufacturing with at least 8 years in multi-disciplinary leadership roles.
• Industry experience in Aerospace, Defence, Medical Devices, or other sectors demanding high-precision engineering.

Technical Expertise Required

• Proficient with Siemens, Heidenhain, and Fanuc CNC Controls.
• Expertise in multi-axis machining, CNC turning, and Turn-Mill machine operations.
• Deep knowledge of GD&T, machining processes, cutting tools, fixtures, and process capabilities.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and production planning software.
• Understanding of AS9100D and ISO 9001 quality management standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Maintain On-Time Delivery (OTD) at or above 98%.
• Ensure Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) exceeds 85%.
• Reduce customer parts per million (PPM) defects and internal rejections.
• Improve First Pass Yield (FPY), machine utilization, inventory accuracy, and production efficiency.
• Drive cost reduction and enhance productivity.
• Maintain high customer satisfaction and successful audit results.
• Focus on employee retention and skill development.

Leadership Qualities

• Strong strategic vision with execution excellence.
• Effective communication and adept customer management skills.
• Robust analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High ownership, accountability, and capability to lead organizational change.
• Commitment to cultivating high-performing teams.