CRA is an engineering company with over 30 years of experience delivering custom-engineered systems to the Energy and Defence sectors. We design and manufacture robust, high-performance solutions including combustion systems, biogas processing packages, gas flaring systems, thermal oxidizers, and defence-grade weapon handling equipment.
Everything we build is manufactured in-house, from mechanical fabrication to assembly and testing, enabling us to serve some of the most demanding industrial and military applications worldwide.
Our manufacturing operations span two facilities in the NCR region and are supported by in-house Design, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, Production, and Projects teams.
As we continue to scale, we are strengthening our operational leadership while implementing ERP, ISO 9001, and AS9100D systems to build a world-class manufacturing organization.
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced and execution-focused Head of Operations to lead and professionalize manufacturing operations across our two production facilities.
This is a high-ownership leadership role responsible for Production, Planning, Stores, Procurement Coordination, Quality, Maintenance, Facilities, Vendor Management, ERP implementation, ISO/QMS deployment, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys building systems, improving operational discipline, mentoring teams, and delivering complex custom-engineered projects on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities
1. Production & Manufacturing
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Lead production across fabrication, machining, assembly, testing, painting, and dispatch.
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Ensure project-wise execution against daily, weekly, and monthly production plans.
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Monitor productivity, quality, manpower utilization, and machine availability.
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Supervise shop-floor operations across multiple shifts.
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Conduct Daily Production Review (DPR) meetings and drive data-based decision making.
Ensure delivery commitments are achieved without compromising quality or safety.
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2. Production Planning & Coordination
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Develop and monitor production schedules aligned with project timelines.
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Balance workload across both manufacturing units.
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Coordinate closely with Design, Procurement, Projects, and Quality teams to ensure drawing and material readiness.
Identify bottlenecks and proactively resolve execution issues.
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3. Stores & Procurement Coordination
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Establish discipline across GRNs, binning, inventory management, MRS, and material traceability.
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Monitor inventory accuracy and minimize shortages, excess stock, and material losses.
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Work closely with Procurement to ensure timely availability of production-critical materials.
Improve inventory visibility and material flow across the organization.
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4. Maintenance & Facility Management
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Lead preventive and breakdown maintenance across all production equipment.
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Maintain machine uptime through structured maintenance planning.
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Manage AMCs, critical spares, maintenance records, and equipment history.
Oversee utilities including compressed air systems, electrical infrastructure, cranes, DG sets, and facility upkeep.
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5. Quality, Safety & Compliance
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Ensure adherence to quality standards throughout manufacturing.
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Drive in-process inspections, final inspections, and documentation.
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Ensure timely closure of NCRs, CAPAs, customer observations, and corrective actions.
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Maintain product traceability and quality records.
Lead fire safety initiatives, EHS compliance, and statutory operational requirements.
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6. Vendor & Outsourced Operations
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Coordinate with subcontractors and external vendors for fabrication, machining, coating, packaging, and outsourced manufacturing.
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Monitor vendor performance, quality, and delivery schedules.
Resolve delays, quality issues, and supplier-related execution challenges.
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7. ERP Implementation
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Lead the operational rollout of ERP across Production, Planning, Stores, Quality, Maintenance, and Procurement.
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Standardize operational workflows before implementation.
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Ensure successful user adoption through training and process governance.
Drive continuous improvement after ERP go-live.
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8. Quality Management System (QMS)
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Lead implementation and continual improvement of ISO 9001 and AS9100D Quality Management Systems.
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Develop SOPs, work instructions, inspection plans, process controls, and operational documentation.
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Coordinate internal audits, external audits, and certification activities.
Drive compliance culture across manufacturing operations.
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9. Continuous Improvement
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Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Visual Management initiatives.
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Improve productivity, throughput, machine utilization, and operational efficiency.
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Conduct root cause analysis for recurring issues.
Promote structured problem solving and continuous improvement across departments
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10. Leadership & Team Management
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Lead teams across Production, Planning, Stores, Quality, Maintenance, Administration, and Facilities.
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Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence.
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Mentor supervisors and department heads.
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Conduct performance reviews, manpower planning, and capability development.
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Foster collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Requirements
Candidate Profile
Education
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B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
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Certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, ISO, or Quality Management are preferred.
Experience
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10 to 15 years of experience in manufacturing operations.
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Minimum 3 years in a senior operations leadership role.
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Experience in fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, and project-based manufacturing.
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Hands-on experience implementing ERP systems.
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Experience implementing ISO 9001 or AS9100D Quality Management Systems is highly desirable.
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Experience in custom-engineered capital equipment manufacturing will be preferred.
Required Skills
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Strong leadership and people management skills.
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Excellent production planning and execution capabilities.
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Strong understanding of fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, and industrial manufacturing.
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Experience in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, TPM, and continuous improvement methodologies.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
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Excellent cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management.
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Proficiency in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and manufacturing dashboards.
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Ability to build systems, enforce operational discipline, and lead organizational change.
Benefits
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Lead operations at a growing engineering and manufacturing company serving global Energy and Defence sectors.
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Build and shape manufacturing systems with significant autonomy.
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Drive ERP implementation and world-class operational practices.
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Play a key role in ISO 9001 and AS9100D certification initiatives.
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Work on technically challenging, custom-engineered industrial projects.
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Collaborate with experienced engineering, design, and manufacturing professionals.
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Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.
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Comprehensive medical insurance for employees and their families.
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Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
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A culture that values ownership, innovation, and continuous improvement.
