Location: Kandivali, India
Responsibilities & Key Deliverables
Responsibilities & Key Deliverables
The Manager – AI & Smart Manufacturing will play a pivotal role in steering the digital transformation of our tractor manufacturing plant by spearheading the adoption of AI and smart technologies. This position involves extensive collaboration across multiple departments to integrate advanced analytics and AI solutions into production workflows to yield optimal outcomes.
- Lead the identification, development, and deployment of AI, ML, Generative AI, and Industry 4.0 applications that enhance operational performance.
- Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Automation, and IT teams to co-design scalable AI-powered solutions tailored to specific manufacturing challenges.
- Drive improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), production throughput, and quality yield by embedding real-time data analytics and automation tools.
- Establish and monitor predictive maintenance models to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
- Enhance production planning accuracy and optimize scheduling using AI-driven demand forecasting and resource allocation methods.
- Lead initiatives focused on supply chain visibility, inventory optimization, and reduction of operational costs through data intelligence.
- Strategize and implement energy management and sustainability projects enabled by smart sensors and AI analytics.
- Champion workforce enablement by fostering data-driven decision-making culture and facilitating training on new digital tools.
- Serve as the plant’s lead liaison for all AI and digital manufacturing initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Continuously assess emerging AI technologies and identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantages within manufacturing processes.
- Prepare detailed progress reports, business case analyses, and presentations for senior leadership to demonstrate impact and justify ongoing investments.
Ultimately, this role demands a visionary yet hands-on leader capable of transforming traditional manufacturing practices through smart technology adoption to achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Experience
Experience
The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience at the intersection of manufacturing operations and advanced digital technologies, ideally within heavy machinery or automotive sectors.
- A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, industrial automation, or plant operations, with at least 3 years focusing on AI, Machine Learning, or digital transformation projects.
- Proven track record in leading end-to-end digital initiatives that successfully improved production efficiency, quality metrics, or cost optimisation.
- Hands-on experience working with AI technologies including predictive analytics, computer vision, NLP, and Generative AI applications relevant to manufacturing environments.
- Strong familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT sensor integration, smart robotics, cloud-based data platforms, and real-time analytics frameworks.
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams comprising engineering, IT, quality assurance, and supply chain to deliver enterprise-wide solutions.
- Knowledge of production planning, scheduling software, MES systems, and ERP platforms is highly desirable.
- Previous exposure to compliance standards relevant to manufacturing operations (such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001) will be advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously within fast-paced environments, with strong prioritization and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in mentoring and capacity building to drive adoption and sustained maintenance of AI-driven solutions across user groups.
Extensive skills in translating complex technical concepts into practical manufacturing applications will be crucial to succeed in this role.
Industry Preferred
Qualifications
B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering along with Masters/ Certification in Data Science and AI -ML
General Requirements
General Requirements
- Ability to work at the manufacturing plant site full-time, liaising consistently with operational teams onsite.
- Strong analytical mindset combined with creative problem-solving skills to translate operational needs into technical solutions.
- High level of initiative and ownership with a hands-on approach to project execution and team collaboration.
- Flexible and adaptive to fast-paced manufacturing cycles and evolving technology landscapes.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to build consensus among diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Commitment to maintaining safety, quality, and environmental standards throughout all project phases.
- Willingness to stay current with emerging AI and digital manufacturing trends and incorporate continuous learning into daily work.
- Strong organizational capabilities to manage concurrent projects and deliverables effectively.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. Our hiring practice for the Manager – AI & Smart Manufacturing position actively encourages candidates of all backgrounds, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability status, and cultural heritage, to apply.
We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences fuel innovation, creativity, and better decision-making, particularly in a role pivotal to digital transformation and technological advancement.
- We ensure equitable access to opportunities within our recruitment, onboarding, and career development processes.
- Our inclusive culture supports a respectful environment where every voice is heard and valued.
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the selection and employment process to support individuals with disabilities or specific needs.
- We continuously review and improve our policies to eliminate bias and barriers to inclusivity.
Joining our team means becoming part of a community committed to equality and belonging, where your unique contributions will be recognized and celebrated.
Job data: Headcount Labs (headcountlabs.com), ODbL 1.0. The job description belongs to the employer. Location data © OpenStreetMap contributors and Overture Maps.
