Head of Operations

Head of Operations - CNC Machining & Sub-Assembly (Aerospace & Defense)Location: Peenya / Devanahalli, BengaluruReports to: CEOTeam Size: 290 (250 shopfloor, 30 engineering, 10 quality + supply chain)Experience: 20-25 years (min. 5 years leading Ops in aerospace/defense machining & assemblies)Employment Type: Full-timeRole OverviewWe are seeking a seasoned operations leader to drive end-to-end manufacturing excellence across precision CNC machining and mechanical sub-assemblies for aerospace & defense programs.This role will own On-Time Delivery (OTD), Quality, Cost, Safety, and Compliance, while scaling operations, strengthening process discipline, and delivering right-first-time production at global benchmarks.You will partner closely with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain, while being the face of operations for customers, audits, and program execution.

Key Responsibilities1. Operations LeadershipLead daily operations across CNC machining (3/4/5-axis), CMM inspection, assembly, maintenance, and logisticsOwn Master Production Schedule (MPS), capacity planning, and line balancingDrive KPIs: OTD, OEE, FPY, Cost, SafetyInstitutionalize Lean Manufacturing (SMED, TPM, 5S, Kaizen)Improve cycle time, setup reduction, and throughputLead NPI programs, including FAI readiness and capability validation2. Quality & ComplianceEnsure compliance with AS9100D and AS9102 (FAI)Drive SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, RCCA (8D)Own NCR/CAR closure disciplineEnsure full traceability, serialization, and configuration controlOversee calibration systems and document control3.

Assembly OperationsStandardize kitting, BOM control, torque processes, and testing protocolsEnsure revision discipline and 100% traceability in assembliesDrive error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and right-first time builds4. EHS & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure adherence to EHS standards, LOTO, PPE, and risk assessmentsDrive safety culture through near-miss tracking and corrective actionsEnsure compliance with export control frameworks (SCOMET / ITAR / EAR as applicable)5. People & CultureBuild a high-performance shopfloor cultureImplement competency frameworks and skill matricesDrive training in GD&T (ASME Y14.5), CAM, and metrologyCoach leadership team and establish succession pipelines6.

Financial OwnershipManage plant-level cost drivers:Conversion costLabor productivityMaterial varianceCapex ROIDrive throughput and margin improvement7. Customer & Stakeholder ManagementLead customer audits, FAI reviews, and performance reviewsAct as escalation point for delivery/quality issuesMaintain Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback loops

Required QualificationsB.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering20-25 years in precision machining & assembliesMinimum 5 years as Head of Operations in aerospace/defense manufacturingStrong expertise in:3/4/5-axis CNC machining & complex fixturingTight tolerance machining ( 10-20 microns)CMM & metrology systemsDeep knowledge of:AS9100D, AS9102, GD&T (ASME Y14.5)SPC, PFMEA, RCCA (8D)Experience with materials:Aluminum, Titanium, Inconel/Nickel alloys, Stainless SteelFamiliarity with NADCAP processes and supplier managementProven track record handling defense/aerospace audits and complianceCore CompetenciesOperational Strategy & ExecutionAdvanced Manufacturing & MetrologyLean Transformation & Continuous ImprovementCustomer & Stakeholder ManagementFinancial AcumenLeadership & Change ManagementRisk ManagementData-Driven Decision MakingBehavioral ExpectationsStrong Gemba-driven leadership (shopfloor-first mindset)High integrity and discipline (critical for defense sector)Calm and decisive under pressureCollaborative, yet uncompromising on standardsWhat Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)OTD > 95% with stable MPS executionMeasurable improvement in OEE (-15%)Reduction in internal rejection & reworkStrong audit outcomes (customer + certification)Structured NPI pipeline with zero delayed FAI submissionsVisible culture shift toward Lean & accountability

Growth TrajectoryThis role is positioned as a strategic leadership pipeline to Chief Operating Officer (COO) within a defined 3-4 year horizon, based on performance and business scale.Opportunity to transition from plant-level leadership to multi-site / multi-program ownership as the organization expands.Direct exposure to CEO, board-level decisions, and strategic customer engagementsLead future greenfield / brownfield expansions, including new facilities, capability additions, and global program rampsPlay a key role in shaping organizational structure, leadership bench strength, and long-term manufacturing strategy

Scale VisionAggressive expansion roadmap to significantly increase machining and assembly capacity over the next 3-5 yearsPlanned investments in:Advanced 5-axis machining centers and automation (pallet systems, robotics)Digital manufacturing systems (MES, real-time dashboards, traceability platforms)Enhanced metrology and testing capabilitiesExpansion of capabilities across:High-complexity aerospace components and sub-assembliesIncreased share of export-driven aerospace & defense programsTarget to evolve into a globally competitive, AS9100/NADCAP-aligned manufacturing partnerStrong focus on building a Lean, data-driven, high-throughput operation with world-class benchmarks in OTD, quality, and costOpportunity to lead capacity ramp from current scale to next-level industrial footprint, including workforce scaling and supplier ecosystem development