Assistant Manager - Operations (Team Leader)

Location: Pune, India (APAC)

Function: Operations Management

Reports To: Group Leader / Operations Manager

Direct Reports: 8-12 Team Members

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-oriented Assistant Manager - Operations (Team Leader) to lead manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence within our production setting. The role is responsible for achieving People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Cash (PSQDCC) objectives while fostering a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate will lead and develop teams, implement Lean principles, ensure compliance with safety and quality standards, and contribute to business growth through effective operational management.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & People Development

- Build and sustain a high-performing and engaged team culture aligned with organizational values and principles.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop team members to maximize performance and support career progression.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and support employees in addressing performance gaps.
- Foster a workplace environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Drive employee engagement initiatives and ensure actions are implemented effectively.

Operational Excellence
- Deliver agreed People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and Cash (PSQDCC) targets.
- Lead daily operational activities to ensure production commitments and customer requirements are achieved.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the assigned area.
- Promote disciplined execution of Daily Management Systems and Leader Standard Work.
- Support value stream improvement initiatives and future-state operational planning.

Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a "Safety First" culture and ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.




- Ensure operational activities meet regulatory, legal, customer, and company quality requirements.
- Drive proactive risk management and problem-solving activities within the work area.
- Ensure adherence to organizational policies, ethics standards, export control requirements, and employment regulations.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies to resolve operational challenges.
- Apply a "Go to Gemba" approach to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Encourage team-led improvement activities and Kaizen initiatives.
- Collaborate with support functions to improve productivity, quality, and operational performance.

Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and HR teams.
- Coordinate effectively with other Team Leaders to achieve area and site performance objectives.
- Influence and engage stakeholders to support business priorities and operational improvements.

Financial Responsibility
- Support the management and control of operational costs within the assigned area.
- Monitor cost performance and drive initiatives that improve productivity and efficiency.

Required Qualifications & ExperienceEssential
- Bachelor's Degree/Diploma in Engineering, Mechanical, Production, Industrial Engineering, Science, or related discipline.
- Proven experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, engineering, or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing production teams.
- Strong understanding of operational performance metrics and production systems.




- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives and achieving operational targets.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to motivate, influence, and develop teams.

Preferred
- Experience working in a Lean Manufacturing or Lean Operating Model environment.
- Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
- Aerospace, precision engineering, or high-volume manufacturing experience.
- Knowledge of Value Stream Management and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
- Exposure to Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, or advanced production systems.

Key Competencies
- Leadership & People Management
- Operational Excellence
- Lean Manufacturing
- Continuous Improvement
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Stakeholder Management
- Performance Management
- Effective Communication
- Decision Making
- Team Development
- Customer Focus
- Safety & Compliance

What Success Looks Like The successful candidate will:
- Consistently achieve operational KPIs across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People metrics.
- Develop a highly engaged and capable team.
- Drive measurable improvements through Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Create a safe, productive, and positive work environment.
- Contribute to the achievement of site and business performance objectives.

Travel Requirement
- Majority of time spent at the assigned manufacturing facility.
- Approximately 5% travel for training, benchmarking activities, and business requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and provided equal opportunities for growth and development. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, or background.

Pay: ₹14,122.94 - ₹43,839.34 per month

Benefits

- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Provident Fund

Work Location: In person

📌 Team Leader - Operations (Pune)
🏢 GKN Aerospace
📍 Pune