Operations Manager

Position Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the end-to-end product development, planning, sourcing, and production processes. The role ensures that all activities are executed according to company standards, quality requirements, timelines, and compliance procedures.

Acting as the key liaison among internal departments, headquarters, suppliers, and customers, the Operations Manager facilitates effective cross-functional communication, drives operational excellence, and supports continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

The position also plays a strategic role in supplier performance management, production capacity evaluation, risk mitigation, and business growth support.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Production Management

• Coordinate with the HQ Buying Department regarding supplier allocation and monitor the quotation process.
• Oversee all product development activities, ensuring projects are assigned to the most suitable suppliers and workloads are balanced according to production capacity.
• Monitor development timelines, sampling activities, and production milestones to ensure on-time delivery and compliance with company standards.
• Ensure effective project start-up management by coordinating Production Managers, Project Managers, Supply Chain Planners, and Quality teams.
• Provide regular operational reports and weekly status updates to Headquarters, highlighting project progress, risks, delays, and corrective actions.
• Monitor repeat-order production processes and ensure production schedules are aligned with delivery deadlines.
• Escalate and resolve operational issues by coordinating with HQ and relevant stakeholders.

Supplier Management & Sourcing Support

• Support the HQ Sourcing Team in evaluating, developing, and maintaining the supplier network.
• Conduct supplier audits and site visits to assess manufacturing capabilities, compliance standards, production capacity, and partnership potential.
• Evaluate supplier performance through structured assessment criteria and rating systems.
• Negotiate strategic operational matters with suppliers to improve efficiency, quality, cost, and service levels.
• Coordinate supplier development initiatives in collaboration with CSR, Sourcing, QA, and Compliance teams.
• Monitor and manage subcontracting activities to ensure adherence to company standards and customer requirements.
• Deliver training and guidance to suppliers regarding company procedures, quality expectations, and compliance requirements.

Quality & Compliance Management

• Collaborate with QA and QC teams to ensure compliance with customer requirements and company quality standards.
• Coordinate quality inspections, audits, supplier corrective actions, and quality improvement programs.
• Support the management of customer complaints and ensure timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Customer & Business Support

• Act as a key contact for operational matters with customers and external stakeholders.
• Support customer visits, factory visits, audits, and business reviews.
• Assist Sales and Marketing teams in operational planning and customer development activities.
• Participate in commercial discussions regarding new business opportunities, production feasibility, and quality-related matters.
• Support negotiations related to new projects, orders, and customer claims.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, sourcing, manufacturing, or operations management.
• Proven experience managing supplier networks and cross-functional teams in an international environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production technologies, materials, and printing techniques.
• Experience in quality management systems, supplier audits, and compliance standards.
• Familiarity with SAP.

Required Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Product Development and Manufacturing Processes
• Supplier Management and Vendor Evaluation
• Production Planning and Capacity Analysis
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• Supply Chain and Sourcing Operations
• Budget Management and Cost Control
• Process Improvement and Operational Excellence
• Advanced Excel Skills
• PLM and SAP Knowledge

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong Leadership and Team Management
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Negotiation and Influencing Skills
• Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities
• Results-Oriented Mindset
• Ability to Work Under Pressure and Meet Tight Deadlines

Languages

• Fluent Indian
• Fluent English (spoken and written)

Other Requirements

• Avaialbe to frequent nationwide business trip in India
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and international business environment.