Job Description – Executive Assistant / Manager – Strategy (Manufacturing)

Position

Executive Assistant / Manager – Strategy (Manufacturing)

Experience

5–8 Years (Post MBA Experience)

Job Purpose

The Executive Assistant – Strategy will work closely with senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives across manufacturing operations. The role focuses on operational excellence, manufacturing excellence, digital transformation, AI implementation, and cross-functional stakeholder management to improve plant performance and business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Initiatives

• Support senior leadership in driving strategic projects across manufacturing plants.
• Monitor execution of strategic initiatives and ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare management presentations, dashboards, and executive reports.
• Track key business priorities and follow up with functional teams.

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Drive Operational Excellence and Manufacturing Excellence initiatives.
• Identify improvement opportunities to enhance plant productivity and efficiency.
• Monitor and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) .
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and continuous improvement practices.
• Analyze operational KPIs and recommend corrective actions.

Process Excellence

• Standardize manufacturing processes across plants.
• Identify process bottlenecks and implement productivity improvement projects.
• Support cost optimization and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Drive best practices across manufacturing operations.

Digital Transformation & AI

• Lead digital transformation initiatives within manufacturing operations.
• Drive Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing projects.
• Support implementation of AI, automation, analytics, and digital tools in plant operations.
• Collaborate with IT, Digital, and Operations teams to execute technology-enabled improvements.

Plant Operations

• Work closely with Plant Heads and functional leaders to improve operational performance.
• Review production, quality, maintenance, inventory, and safety metrics.
• Ensure execution of action plans for operational improvements.
• Support capacity planning and productivity enhancement initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, HR, IT, and Digital teams.
• Work closely with senior leadership for execution of strategic priorities.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and ensure timely closure of action items.
• Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders.

Business Analytics & Reporting

• Develop MIS reports and performance dashboards.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Present strategic insights and recommendations to leadership.

Candidate Profile

• 5–8 years of relevant post-MBA experience in manufacturing strategy, operational excellence, process excellence, or strategic initiatives.
• Strong exposure to manufacturing operations and plant performance improvement.
• Experience driving digital transformation, automation, or AI implementation projects in manufacturing.
• Hands-on knowledge of OEE, Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work directly with senior leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and executive presentation skills.

Key Hiring Criteria (Mandatory)

• BE/B.Tech + MBA from a Tier-1 institute (IIM/XLRI/TISS/MDI/FMS or equivalent).
• 5–8 years of post-MBA experience.
• Experience in Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence, Process Excellence, OEE, Plant Operations, Digital Transformation, and AI implementation in manufacturing.
• Excellent stakeholder management and strategic execution capabilities.