
Business Unit Head–Auto Components (Suspension Systems)
- Chakan, Maharashtra
- Permanent
- Full-time
Reports To: Managing Director / CEO
Annual Revenue Base: ₹ 100 Crore
Industry: Automotive Components - Suspension SystemsCompany Profile:Client has a strategic joint venture between them and Italian global leader in automotive components, a trusted name in engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain excellence. The company specializes in design, development, and manufacturing of high-performance suspension systems for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers. With a manufacturing footprint in India and access to global R&D expertise, company delivers OEM-grade suspension components such as stabilizer bars, and torsion bars. The company maintains a strong commitment to operational excellence, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction, catering to leading global and domestic automotive brands.Responsibilities:1. Operations & Manufacturing Excellence
- Lead the plant's core operations including production, quality, maintenance, and engineering.
- Drive output and efficiency of key suspension components like coil springs, stabilizer bars, and torsion rods.
- Implement Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to improve quality, reduce waste, and optimize cost.
- Full P&L accountability for the business unit.
- Define and execute operational strategy aligned with the joint venture's goals.
- Ensure efficient use of resources while meeting revenue, cost, and margin targets.
- Uphold global quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001/14001).
- Lead customer and third-party audits; implement CAPAs with a zero-defect approach.
- Strengthen process controls across all manufacturing stages.
- Interface with OEM clients for delivery planning, quality resolution, and new product integration.
- Strengthen commercial and technical relationships with key customers.
- Represent the plant in business reviews with global and domestic leadership.
- Collaborate with design and R&D teams on new suspension products.
- Ensure robust NPI (New Product Introduction) processes including APQP, PPAP, and FMEA.
- Lead process innovation and automation initiatives.
- Lead and mentor a cross-functional team across operations, quality, supply chain, and engineering.
- Create a culture of ownership, performance, and continuous improvement.
- Drive safety, morale, and retention of skilled manpower.
- Deep knowledge of suspension system manufacturing (coil springs, torsion bars, etc.)
- Strong operations management and leadership skills
- Financial acumen with P&L ownership
- Lean manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma expertise
- Customer handling and OEM interface capability
- Strategic thinking and business development mindset
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
- B.E./B. Tech in Mechanical / Production / Automotive Engineering
- MBA in Operations / Strategy (preferred)
- 15-20 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, with a strong focus on suspension systems
- Minimum 5 years in a leadership/plant or business unit head role
- Production efficiency & Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Quality metrics (PPM, audit scores, customer complaints)
- Delivery performance (On-Time-In-Full - OTIF)
- EBITDA, cost per unit, and inventory turnover
- New product launch timelines & success rates
- Safety performance and employee engagement index
- Understands market, customer, and internal cost dynamics
- Aligns unit operations with long-term business goals
- Takes full responsibility for plant performance, P&L, and delivery
- Demonstrates proactive decision-making under pressure
- Builds high-performance teams and develops talent
- Drives engagement and cross-functional collaboration
- Leads digital transformation, process changes, and cultural shifts
- Responds effectively to operational disruptions or market shifts
- Maintains strong relationships with OEMs
- Understands and anticipates customer needs and translates them into plant priorities
- Applies structured thinking (e.g., root cause analysis, 8D, 5 Why) to resolve issues
- Uses data to improve processes and performance
- Remains composed under pressure
- Balances demands from JV partners, customers, and internal teams
- Automotive Suspension Component Manufacturing
- Metal Forming & Hot/Cold Working