Managing Director – India Operations

Managing Director – India OperationsLocation: Pune, Maharashtra, IndiaEmployment Type: Full-TimeIndustry: Manufacturing | Engineering Products | Automotive Supply ChainExperience Level: Senior LeadershipAbout the OpportunityWe are seeking an accomplished Managing Director – India Operations to lead and scale the India operations of a rapidly growing global manufacturing and engineering organization.This is a high-visibility leadership opportunity for a strategic, people-focused executive who can combine manufacturing expertise, operational excellence, supplier management, and strong business leadership to drive the next phase of growth.The organization has a well-established presence in India and works closely with leading global OEMs and Tier-1 customers across the automotive and engineering ecosystem.The successful candidate will have significant influence over the India organization, supplier network, operational strategy, and long-term growth agenda.The RoleAs Managing Director – India Operations, you will provide overall leadership for the India organization and serve as a key connection point between the India manufacturing ecosystem and global executive leadership.You will be responsible for building a high-performance culture, strengthening strategic supplier relationships, improving operational execution, and positioning the India organization for substantial growth.This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys building teams, developing people, solving complex operational challenges, and creating sustainable business results.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide overall strategic and operational leadership for the India organization.Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing cross-functional team.Build strong, long-term relationships with manufacturing suppliers and strategic partners.Oversee supplier development, supplier quality, production coordination, sourcing, and operational performance.Drive improvements across quality, cost, delivery, productivity, and supplier performance.Establish meaningful performance metrics and ensure KPIs translate into measurable business outcomes.Partner closely with global executive leadership to align India operations with broader business objectives.Develop and execute strategies to support significant business growth and increased manufacturing/sourcing volumes.Identify operational risks, capacity constraints, and opportunities for continuous improvement.Strengthen communication and collaboration between India-based teams, suppliers, and global stakeholders.Develop organizational capability, succession planning, and leadership talent within the India team.Support strategic sourcing, cost optimization, capacity planning, and supplier diversification initiatives.Represent the organization with key suppliers, partners, and other external stakeholders.Promote a culture built around trust, accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.What We're Looking ForWe are looking for a business-minded manufacturing leader who combines strong technical and operational knowledge with exceptional people leadership.Required ExperienceSignificant leadership experience within manufacturing, engineering products, automotive, industrial products, sourcing, or supply chain environments.Strong understanding of Indian manufacturing and supplier ecosystems.Experience working with global, US, European, or other Western organizations.Experience managing manufacturing suppliers, supplier development, sourcing, quality, or production operations.Demonstrated success leading teams and driving measurable operational improvements.Strong commercial understanding with the ability to balance cost, quality, delivery, capacity, and customer requirements.Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.Manufacturing ExpertiseExperience with one or more of the following will be highly valuable:Precision machiningCastingForgingMetal componentsAutomotive componentsIndustrial manufacturingSupplier developmentSupplier qualityStrategic sourcingProduction operationsEngineering productsLeadership Qualities That MatterBeyond technical and operational expertise, we are looking for a leader who demonstrates:High Emotional IntelligenceBuilds trust, listens actively, understands different perspectives, and develops people.Collaborative LeadershipWorks effectively across organizational levels without relying on hierarchy or authority.Transparency & IntegrityCommunicates business realities openly and creates an environment where challenges can be surfaced and solved.Strong Business JudgmentCan distinguish between activity and actual business impact and make thoughtful decisions in complex situations.Relationship BuilderDevelops strong, sustainable relationships with suppliers, employees, customers, and global stakeholders.Growth MindsetComfortable operating in a rapidly scaling organization and energized by the opportunity to build something bigger.Ideal Candidate BackgroundWe are open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including:Manufacturing / Operations leadershipAutomotive OEM or Tier-1 suppliersEngineering product companiesStrategic sourcing / procurement leadershipSupplier development / supplier qualityIndustrial manufacturingGlobal supply chain organizationsManufacturing consulting and transformation practicesProfessionals from organizations, and other leading consulting firms may also be considered where they have strong hands-on exposure to manufacturing operations, sourcing, or supply-chain transformation.We are also open to high-performing Senior Managers, Operations Leaders, or Business Unit Leaders who are ready to take the next step into a broader India leadership role.Why Consider This Opportunity?High-impact leadership position with significant visibility to global executive leadership.Opportunity to shape and scale a growing India organization.Direct influence over manufacturing, sourcing, supplier strategy, and operational performance.Opportunity to build and develop a strong leadership team.Exposure to global OEM and Tier-1 customer ecosystems.Significant opportunity to drive transformation and business growth.A role where leadership style, people development, and business impact matter as much as operational expertise.LocationPune, MaharashtraCandidates based in Pune, Mumbai, or the surrounding manufacturing corridor are encouraged to apply.Interested?If you are a manufacturing or operations leader looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a growing India business and make a meaningful impact at the executive level, we would be interested in hearing from you.Apply with your updated resume or reach out for a confidential discussion.Warm Regards,Sajith NairEmail: sajith@ztekinc.com