Job Title: Launch and Operations Manager – Panappakkam Operations
Location: Panappakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
Experience: 15+ Years

Role Overview

The role involves two key phases: short-term (12-15 months) and long-term. Initially, you will act as the project manager from the client's side. In the long term, you will manage the Panappakkam operations and be accountable for the SQDCPE (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Environment) deliverables of the plant.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project Phase:
  • Ensure a safe working environment for all employees, monitoring effectiveness through Lost Time Injury (LTI).
  • Develop and deliver the launch plan in collaboration with the parent company and client.
  • Monitor project progress via Project Schedule Variance and escalate if needed.
  • Ensure that all program activities are delivered within timelines and budget.
  • Conduct readiness reviews and report program status to management.
  • Ensure operational readiness and smooth handover to production.
• Plant Operations:
  • Monitor health and safety, using LTI data to assess effectiveness.
  • Ensure quality metrics (WCPA and DFV) meet targets.
  • Adhere to client quality standards, ensuring no major non-conformities in audits.
  • Fulfill ABS and volume plans as per agreements.
  • Address customer complaints within 24 hours.
  • Complete vehicle launches within the budgeted costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective control over Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programs and encourage team participation.
• Lead and coordinate Panappakkam site construction and vehicle launch planning in collaboration with the local manufacturing team and other functions.
• Compile and analyze financial data for CAPEX, OPEX, tooling, and launch costs related to the Panappakkam site and vehicle launch projects.
• Develop and implement training plans for all employee levels in coordination with the Pune plant.
• Ensure all launch phases are completed according to client quality standards before transitioning to steady state.
• Oversee steady state manufacturing, ensuring adherence to manufacturing and quality operating systems.
• Lead quality management reviews and drive problem-solving using techniques like L0, 8D, DMAIC, and statistical methods.
• Ensure that production plans meet the client's volume objectives.
• Liaise with the Material Planning & Logistics team and production planning to agree on the production schedule.
• Drive the development of all support functions (e.g., STA, PD/PVT) to support a successful low-volume operation.
• Continuously evaluate and implement process improvements to minimize waste, reduce costs, and maximize quality.

Key Interactions

• Significant coordination and cross-functional working with the parent company, the client, and various teams including pack shop, PD, STA, CME, CQ, and PQ.
• Periodic reviews with the Head of Operations (India).

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Essential:

• Hard Skills:
  • Automotive experience in vehicle assembly planning and operations.
  • Project management and delivery experience.
  • Knowledge of greenfield and brownfield project management (preferred).
• Soft Skills:
  • Ability to work independently and proactively, taking full ownership of tasks.
  • Strong team-oriented mindset, considering the wider team’s needs.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead, manage, and support relationships at all levels.
  • Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience:
  • Extensive experience in the automotive industry, especially in vehicle assembly operations.
  • Proven track record in successful product launch delivery.
  • Relevant degree or equivalent experience (preferred).

Desirable:

• Hard Skills:
  • Experience in vehicle launch management and quality within the automotive industry.
• Soft Skills:
  • Knowledge of the local language (Tamil).

Personal Attributes

Essential:

• Customer-first mindset, delivering transparent, dependable experiences.
• Team player, actively supporting and empowering others.
• Integrity and empathy with a focus on delivering great customer experiences.
• Results-driven, with the ability to solve complex problems in demanding environments.
• Independent and driven, combining short-term focus with long-term planning.

Desirable:

• Ability to challenge existing ideas constructively, building trust and credibility through personal style and experience.

Reporting Structure

This role reports to the Head of India Operations and works closely with teams from the parent company and the client to ensure smooth plant operations and successful project delivery.