Plant Head / General Manager – Operations (Greenfield CNC Project)

Job Description:

Job Description: Plant Head / General Manager – Operations (Greenfield CNC Project)

About the Company: We are an upcoming manufacturing company specializing in precision-machined steel engineering components. We are establishing a state-of-the-art Greenfield facility equipped with CNC Vertical Machining Centers (VMCs) and CNC Turning Centers (Lathes). We are looking for a visionary operational leader to build this factory from the ground up and lead its operations.

Role Summary: The Plant Head will be the primary project owner for setting up the entire manufacturing facility. This is a "Zero-to-One" role. The ideal candidate will handle everything from machine selection, factory layout planning, and utility setup, to building the core technical team and establishing production and quality control processes for machining steel components.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning & CAPEX Procurement

• Analyze engineering drawings of target steel components to determine optimal manufacturing processes.

• Define technical specifications and select the right CNC VMCs, CNC Lathes, and tooling systems.

• Evaluate, negotiate with, and finalize machine tool vendors (e.g., Haas, Mazak, Doosan, Ace Micromatic) and utility suppliers.

• Design an efficient plant layout ensuring optimal material flow, minimum handling, and lean manufacturing principles.

2. Facility Setup & Commissioning

• Oversee the execution of machine foundations, electrical load distribution, and compressed air layouts.

• Select and install auxiliary equipment including overhead cranes, coolant management systems, and chip conveyors.

• Establish a fully equipped Quality Control (QC) laboratory with precision measuring instruments (CMM, gauges, etc.).

• Ensure all safety and environmental compliances are met during the setup phase.

3. Team Building & Operations Management

• Recruit, train, and build a high-performance team of CNC programmers, setters, operators, and quality inspectors.

• Oversee component prove-outs, cycle time optimization, and fixture design for steel machining.

• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance schedules, and quality assurance protocols.

• Transition the facility from the project phase into standard daily production, meeting target OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and delivery schedules.

Candidate Qualifications & Profile:

• Education: B.Tech / B.E. in Mechanical, Production, or Industrial Engineering.

• Experience: 12–15+ years of hands-on experience in precision CNC machining, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership/plant head role.

• Greenfield Experience: Mandatory prior experience successfully setting up at least one new machine shop (Greenfield or Brownfield expansion) from scratch.

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of machining behavior for various grades of steel (Alloy, Stainless, etc.), advanced cutting tools, and fixture design.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong negotiation skills for CAPEX purchasing and vendor management.