CEO - Automotive Tier 1 - Suspension System | Chennai

About the Company

The client is a leading automotive component manufacturing organization specialising in suspension systems, brakes & engine components. The company serves OEMs and Tier-1 customers and operates advanced manufacturing facilities with strong capabilities in engineering, quality, and operational excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities

• P&L & Business Leadership
• Own and drive overall revenue, EBITDA, cash flow, and profitability targets.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term business strategy aligned with Board vision.
• Ensure sustainable growth across export and domestic markets.
• Drive cost optimization and margin expansion initiatives.
• Sales & Market Expansion
• Strengthen global OEM and Tier-1 relationships.
• Expand export footprint across North America, Europe, and emerging markets.
• Lead commercial strategy including pricing, contract negotiations, and key account management.
• Develop new business opportunities in suspension and allied auto components.
• Operations & Manufacturing Excellence
• Oversee manufacturing operations with focus on productivity, capacity utilization, automation, and lean practices.
• Ensure world-class quality standards aligned with global OEM expectations.
• Drive operational KPIs including OEE, yield, scrap reduction, and on-time delivery.
• Supply Chain & Procurement
• Optimize sourcing strategy for raw materials (steel, alloys, castings/forgings).
• Strengthen supplier partnerships and cost competitiveness.
• Improve inventory turns and working capital efficiency.
• Finance & Governance
• Ensure strong financial controls and compliance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation.
• Drive return on capital employed (ROCE) improvement.
• People & Organization Development
• Build and mentor a high-performance leadership team.
• Drive succession planning and leadership capability development.
• Foster a performance-driven and accountable culture.

Skills and qualifications

• Experience
• 25+ years of experience in automotive component manufacturing across suspension or brakes.
• Proven P&L leadership experience in casting, forging, or related auto component manufacturing.
• Currently operating as a Business Head / CEO / COO with P&L ownership.
• Strong exposure to export-driven businesses (global OEMs preferred).
• Technical & Functional Expertise
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes such as forging, casting, machining, or suspension systems.
• Strong commercial acumen with global business development experience.
• Experience managing multi-functional teams across sales, operations, finance, procurement, and HR.
• Exposure to TS/IATF standards and global automotive compliance requirements.

What's On Offer

• Full P&L ownership of a leading automotive suspension manufacturing business with a strong export footprint.
• Direct engagement with the Board and the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the company's long-term strategy.
• A clearly defined succession pathway, with the potential to progress from CEO to MD within 4–5 years, based on business performance and leadership impact.