About the role
Meridian’s Coimbatore plant makes precision-machined transmission components for two-wheeler OEMs and is preparing for a ₹120 crore capacity expansion sanctioned for FY27. The current GM retires in December 2026, and the successor gets a four-month structured handover before taking full charge of the 1,400-person site. This role reports to the COO and carries complete plant P&L accountability, with a clear path to a Plant Director title once the expansion is commissioned.
Key responsibilities
- Own plant P&L covering ₹640 crore of annual output across three machining shops
- Lift OEE from the current 72% to 80% within 18 months through focused loss elimination
- Lead the brownfield expansion project — layout, equipment selection, and commissioning
- Manage the long-term wage settlement due in 2027 with the recognised union
- Sustain IATF 16949 and customer audit ratings above 90% across all OEM accounts
- Develop the leadership bench: five HODs with named successors within one year
- Drive safety culture to zero reportable incidents, from four in the last fiscal
Requirements
- 12–18 years in auto-component manufacturing, with 3+ years heading a plant or large unit
- Hands-on machining background — turning, hobbing, grinding, or heat treatment
- A documented OEE or cost-transformation result you personally led
- Direct experience negotiating with unions and managing IR in Tamil Nadu or similar geographies
- Familiarity with OEM customer systems — PPAP, APQP, and 8D discipline
- Willingness to relocate to Coimbatore; company accommodation support for the first year
Nice to have
- Greenfield or brownfield expansion experience above ₹75 crore capex
- Exposure to EV driveline components or press-shop operations
- Tamil language proficiency
About the employer
Meridian Auto Components is a ₹2,100 crore auto-ancillary group supplying transmission and engine parts to five two-wheeler and passenger-vehicle OEMs from plants in Coimbatore, Hosur, and Pune. The group has grown revenue at 14% CAGR over the past five years without a single year of loss.