Imran Ahmed Kothwal

Operations Manager (Manufacturing / Retail)

Hidesign India private limited - Pondicherry – India

(Retail & International Business) - April 2017 to Present

• Directed manufacturing operations to align production schedules with quality, safety, and delivery requirements.
• Optimized workflow sequencing to reduce bottlenecks across production, maintenance, and material handling
• Achieved an on-time delivery average of 96%.
• Led organizational restructuring that increased output by 22% without additional headcount
• Reduced production waste by 18% through lean process improvements and operator training.
• Manage end-to-end manufacturing operations across 8 in-house units (3 cutting units and 5 production units) facilities with over $12M annual production value.
• Implemented corrective action plans to address quality issues, equipment downtime, and recurring inefficiencies.
• Monitored production performance and adjusted priorities to meet changing demand and capacity needs.
• Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering feedback and coaching for continuous improvement in skills and output levels.
• Increased production capacity by identifying bottlenecks in the manufacturing process and implementing corrective measures.
• Supervised production team, keeping production schedules on track to meet tight deadlines.
• Reviewed processing schedules and production orders concerning inventory requirements, staffing requirements, work procedures and duty assignments, considering budgetary limitations and time constraints.
• Applied lean principles to improve workflow and quality and reduce waste.
• Implemented a quality control system to review products against technical specifications and corporate standards.
• Oversaw operations of die-less cutting machines to optimize manufacturing processes.

• Directed daily production workflows to maintain output, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Supervised shop-floor teams, assigning tasks and resolving operational bottlenecks.
• Monitored leather processing stages to ensure consistent quality standards and defect control.
• Coordinated raw material availability with procurement and inventory requirements.
• Trained supervisors and workers on production methods, quality checks, and workplace discipline.
• Reviewed performance reports to guide corrective actions and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Developed and maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety policies and procedures.
• Trained and developed staff members, enhancing overall workforce competency and productivity levels.
• Achieved on-time delivery of products by closely monitoring production schedules and coordinating with various departments.
• Conducted root cause analyses of production issues to identify areas requiring corrective action or continuous improvement efforts.
• Communicated factory operational needs, objectives and performance standards with senior management and earned full upper management support.
• Facilitated open communication between all factory departments, leading to increased collaboration, and more efficient problem solving.
• Delivered factory-level communications and tactical direction and drove achievement of quality, delivery, productivity and financial performance goals and objectives.
• Data analysis to review performance on leather, materials, production, and shipment.
• Leading the team to follow up with factories to ensure that customer information and instructions have been followed by individual factories.
• Update the status of production orders to customers.

• Directed end-to-end supply chain planning to align procurement, inventory, and distribution with business demand.
• Negotiated with suppliers to secure favorable terms, timely deliveries, and consistent material quality.
• Optimized vendor coordination to improve material availability and strengthen supply continuity.
• Managed inventory controls to reduce stock discrepancies and maintain accurate replenishment planning.
• Collaborated with production, sales, and logistics teams to resolve supply bottlenecks and support service levels.
• Led cross-functional planning reviews to improve forecasting accuracy and support business growth.
• Developed strong vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of materials and maintain high-quality standards.
• Production and Leather / Material Planning: Arranging leathers for cutting as per the delivery schedule, and following up with suppliers and production accordingly.
• Coordinating with the Merchandiser, R&D department, and arranging leather, materials, etc. On time to ship the samples as per customer expectations.
• Following up with the shipment from the order until dispatch.
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• Directed daily operations across footwear production, sales, and dispatch workflows.
• Coordinated procurement, inventory control, and vendor follow-ups to maintain material availability.
• Monitored product quality checks to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.
• Production plan for 8 weeks: leather and material to run the production without interruption.
• Forecast planning for both leathers and materials.
• ERP Project Coordinator: Understanding the functional necessity of various departments, and implementing the same successfully.