Head Operations

InterviewPanel; Khed Shivapur; On-site; INR 4,500,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Matel Motion & Energy Solutions in Pune seeks a seasoned EV powertrain operations leader to own end-to-end production across motor, inverter, and e-axle assembly lines. You will drive throughput, ensure OEE, and lead NPI ramp-ups for new EV programs while maintaining safety and quality.

You will mentor a large shop-floor team, collaborate with design, quality, and maintenance, and report KPIs to plant leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering required.
• MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• 12+ years in automotive/EV manufacturing, powertrain experience preferred.
• Proven track record leading high-volume production lines with strong OEE, quality, and safety outcomes.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and automotive quality systems.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end production leadership for motor, inverter, gearbox/e-axle, and powertrain assembly lines.
• Drive production planning, capacity utilization, and throughput to meet targets.
• Own quality, yield, and first-time-right metrics across manufacturing stages.
• Lead process engineering and continuous improvement to drive cost-down and cycle-time reduction.
• Manage cross-functional coordination with design, quality, supply chain, and maintenance teams.
• Drive new product introduction (NPI) and ramp-up from pilot to full-rate production.

Skills

Production leadership

EV manufacturing

Lean Six Sigma

NPI ramp-up

Team leadership

Data-driven decisions

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering

MBA (advantageous)

Tools

Six Sigma

IATF 16949

Job description

Do you want in on the ground floor of India's EV powertrain scale-up where your quality calls don't get lost in committee, they define whether the product ships?

Job Title: EV Powertrain – EV Edrive Operation Head

Work Location: Khed Shivapur, Pune

Reports To: CEO

About Matel

Matel Motion & Energy Solutions is a Pune-based deep-tech company designing and manufacturing high-efficiency electric motors, motor controllers, and integrated powertrains for EV and industrial applications. Founded in 2017, the company has built end-to-end in-house capabilities — from electromagnetic design and firmware to production — and serves OEMs across the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, commercial vehicle, and industrial segments.

Matel's product portfolio spans IE5 ultra-premium efficiency PMSM motors (for HVAC, pumps, compressors, and textile machinery), full EV powertrain systems, magnet-free motor technology, and motor controllers across the 350V–600V range. The company has a partnership with Honda for EV battery-swapping technology and is in series production with multiple EV OEMs.

Backed by institutional investors including UC Impower, Catamaran, and Transition VC, Matel is now accelerating its next phase of growth — expanding manufacturing capacity, entering the electric commercial vehicle segment, deepening its R&D infrastructure, and building its international footprint across global markets.

Role Purpose: Lead the Line That Builds the Future

Duties and Responsibilities — What You'll Own

• End-to-end production leadership for motor, inverter, gearbox/e-axle, and powertrain assembly lines
• Drive production planning, capacity utilization, and throughput to meet volume and delivery targets
• Own quality, yield, and first-time-right metrics across all powertrain manufacturing stages
• Lead process engineering and continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to drive cost-down and cycle-time reduction
• Manage cross-functional coordination with design, quality, supply chain, and maintenance teams to eliminate line stoppages
• Drive new product introduction (NPI) — ramping new powertrain variants from pilot to full-rate production
• Own plant safety, compliance, and workforce management — shift planning, training, and performance
• Report production KPIs, downtime analysis, and cost metrics directly to plant/business leadership
• Build and mentor a strong production management and shop-floor supervisory team

Other Essential Requirements/Skills

What You Bring

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering; MBA or advanced degree a plus

12+ years in automotive/EV manufacturing, with significant time in powertrain, motor, or e-drive production

Proven track record leading high-volume production lines with strong OEE, quality, and safety outcomes

Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and automotive quality systems (IATF 16949)

Experience managing NPI/production ramp-up for new EV programs

Strong people-leadership skills — managing large shop-floor teams across shifts

Data-driven decision-maker comfortable owning P&L-linked production targets

Bonus Points

• Experience scaling a greenfield EV powertrain plant from installation to full capacity
• Exposure to battery pack, e-axle, or high-voltage component manufacturing
• Certification in Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing

Why Join Us

Own the production engine behind vehicles that are reshaping how the world moves. Real P&L and operational ownership — not just a supervisory title. Be part of building a plant, culture, and team from the ground up. Competitive leadership compensation and a direct seat in shaping manufacturing strategy