Job Description – Plant Head
Location: Ranjangaon, Pune,India
Company: PALFINGER India Pvt. Ltd.
About the Company
At PALFINGER, we have been lifting people and goods to a new level for over 90 years – with a pioneering and passionate spirit. As a global technology and engineering company, we are the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative crane and lifting solutions. Our success is driven by approximately 12,700 employees worldwide who contribute their ideas and energy to our vision.
Join a dynamic environment offering excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth and become part of PALFINGER's global success story.
Purpose of the Role
The Plant Head is responsible for leading and overseeing end-to-end manufacturing operations at PALFINGER India Pvt. Ltd., ensuring optimal utilization of resources, adherence to quality and safety standards, and achievement of production targets. The role plays a critical part in driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and sustainable growth within the industrial manufacturing setup.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, supply chain, and EHS, ensuring high efficiency and productivity.
- Develop and execute strategies to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality.
- Drive implementation of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, safety, and environmental standards.
- Oversee production planning, material availability, and resource allocation to meet delivery timelines and business objectives.
- Monitor plant performance through KPIs, analyze data, and implement corrective actions to enhance efficiency and output.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, strategic purchasing, and quality to drive innovation and process improvements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Manage plant budgets, capex planning, and cost control initiatives to ensure financial efficiency.
- Drive digitalization and automation initiatives within manufacturing processes where applicable.
Leadership Competencies:
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to translate business vision into actionable plant-level strategies and drive long-term growth and competitiveness.
- Execution Excellence: Strong bias for action with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
- People Leadership & Development: Proven capability to build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams while fostering a culture of ownership, safety, and continuous learning.
- Change Leadership: Ability to lead transformation initiatives, including digitalization, lean adoption, and cultural change within the plant.
- Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to influence and collaborate with global and local stakeholders, aligning plant objectives with broader organizational goals.
- Decision-Making & Accountability: Confident decision-maker with sound judgment, taking ownership of outcomes and driving corrective actions when needed.
- Customer & Quality Mindset: Strong focus on delivering superior product quality and ensuring customer satisfaction through robust processes.
- Resilience & Agility: Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage crises, and adapt quickly to changing business conditions.
- Ethical Leadership & Integrity: Demonstrates high ethical standards, transparency, and commitment to compliance and safety.
- Operational Discipline: Drives governance, process adherence, and performance rigor across all plant functions.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Production/Industrial preferred); MBA is an added advantage.
- 20+ years of experience in manufacturing/industrial operations, with significant leadership experience in plant management.
- Proven track record of managing large-scale manufacturing facilities and delivering operational excellence.
- Experience in greenfield or expansion projects will be an added advantage.
- Fluency in English, Marathi (must) & Hindi.
- Willingness to travel (50%), including international exposure if required.
Required Skills
- Strong expertise in production and plant management principles.
- Hands-on experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, production planning, and inventory management tools.
- In-depth understanding of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and EHS standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
- Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing large, diverse teams.
- Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost optimization.
Preferred Skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in a multicultural environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence and empathy.
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate across global teams.
- Strong presentation and executive communication skills.
Why Join Us
Be part of a global technology leader where engineering excellence meets entrepreneurial spirit.
Shape supply chains, influence strategic decisions, and drive sustainable growth in a high-impact leadership role.
Equal Opportunity Statement
PALFINGER is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background.
