Job Description
The Senior Manager / Manager – Camshaft Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations for camshafts across QSK, KV, NT, ISX, and other engine platforms at Kothrud Engine Plant. The role focuses on ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production through effective management of machining processes, manpower, equipment performance, automation systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The incumbent will lead operations involving cam milling, grinding, induction hardening, straightening, superfinishing, washing, inspection, and packaging processes while ensuring achievement of safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets. The role also requires strong coordination with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and Supply Chain.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations Management
- Execute and monitor daily production plans to meet customer delivery schedules and operational targets.
- Ensure smooth operation of manufacturing lines with focus on safety, quality, productivity, and cost optimization.
- Manage manpower deployment, shift planning, absenteeism control, and resource utilization.
- Coordinate with planning, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing engineering teams to minimize downtime and production losses.
- Drive production stability across multiple camshaft variants and engine platforms.
- Lead and manage daily operations of cylinder head machining lines.
- Drive high-mix, high-volume production while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.
- Optimize manpower utilization, line balancing, and throughput.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to ensure seamless operations.
Equipment & Process Management
- Oversee end-to-end machining processes including:
- Oversee operation and performance of critical manufacturing equipment including:
- Cam Milling Machines
- Journal & Cam Lobe Grinding Machines
- Induction Hardening Systems
- Straightening Machines
- Superfinishing Machines
- BHN Testing & Crack Detection Systems
- Washing, Laser Marking & Final Inspection Machines
- Ensure adherence to preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for improved equipment reliability.
- Support machine trials, process validation, commissioning, and production ramp-up activities.
- Monitor process capability and implement corrective actions to sustain process stability.
Automation & Manufacturing Systems
- Support implementation and stabilization of automation systems such as robotic handling, gantry systems, and automated inspection systems.
- Drive CMS (Cummins Manufacturing System) implementation and sustainment across the shop floor.
- Participate in Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives to improve operational visibility and machine utilization.
- Promote data-based decision-making through operational reviews and KPI tracking.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to Cummins quality standards and customer requirements.
- Lead root cause analysis and implementation of corrective/preventive actions for process and quality issues.
- Drive reduction in scrap, rework, and customer complaints.
- Ensure compliance with HSE, environmental, ergonomic, and statutory requirements.
- Support audits, VPCR activities, layered process audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop supervisors, operators, technicians, and support staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct training, skill development, performance reviews, and competency enhancement initiatives.
- Encourage employee involvement in Kaizen, safety, and productivity improvement activities.
Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization
- Improve OEE, productivity, cycle time, and process efficiency.
- Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, TPM, Kaizen, SMED, and waste elimination.
- Support cost reduction initiatives related to tooling, consumables, utilities, and manpower optimization.
- Participate in CAPEX execution, operational budgeting, and resource planning activities.
Competencies:
Core Competencies
- Operations Management
- Manufacturing Excellence
- Team Leadership
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing & TPM
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Decision Making
- Collaboration & Cross-functional Coordination
- Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness
- Technical Expertise in Precision Machining
Builds effective teams - Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Communicates effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Decision quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Develops talent - Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.
Directs work - Providing direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done.
Drives engagement - Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
Drives results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Manages conflict - Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
Health and Safety Fundamentals - Champions and models proactive health and safety behaviors by identifying, reporting and participating in actions to improve health and safety in order to build an interdependent culture and contribute to an injury-free workplace.
Health, Safety and Environment Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis - Examines HSE incidents by completing quality, evidence based investigations with accurate root cause analysis, resulting in effective corrective actions, accurate reporting and avoiding repeated incidents.
Continuous Process Improvement - Recognizes areas in which a process can be improved by properly implementing process improvement and waste reduction methodologies to reduce process cost and improve quality in current manufacturing processes.
Values differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university, or equivalent degree required.
This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Intermediate level of supervisory experience required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
- Minimum 18+ years of experience in precision machining/manufacturing operations, preferably in camshaft, crankshaft, or powertrain component manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of grinding, milling, induction hardening, inspection systems, and machining operations.
- Experience in managing automated and semi-automated production environments.
- Hands-on exposure to robotics, automation systems, and Industry 4.0 initiatives is preferred.
- Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning tools, quality systems, and manufacturing KPIs.
Employer Statement
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and high-performance workplace. We value diversity, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement while creating opportunities for professional growth and operational excellence.
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.
