Kannan Jayaram
Head – Operations & R&D | Manufacturing Strategy | Product Innovation | Lean Process Excellence
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About
Innovative and strategic General Manager – Operations & R&D with over 27 years of experience in manufacturing, textile machinery, automation, and electrical engineering. Demonstrates proven expertise in R&D leadership, product design, and operational excellence, consistently driving innovation and cost efficiency across large-scale engineering organizations. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, implementing Lean methodologies, and aligning technology development with business strategy to achieve sustainable growth, product innovation, and competitive advantage
Experience
General Manager – Research & Development - MAG Solvics Pvt. Ltd. - Coimbatore, India
(2024-08)
- Leading R&D strategy, innovation, and product development across textile testing and automation solutions.
- Driving design excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and cost-effective engineering practices.
- Steering product roadmap execution to strengthen technological leadership and market competitiveness.
General Manager – Operations - Ringspin Technik - Coimbatore, India
(2022-08 - 2024-08)
- Directed company-wide operations and production planning using Lean methods.
- Enhanced throughput, reduced downtime, and improved efficiency.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to accelerate new product launches and optimize operations.
Unit Head – Textile Machinery, Railway Products, Motor Division & R&D - Elgi Electric and Industries Limited - Coimbatore, India
(2022-01 - 2022-08)
- Managed integrated operations across multiple divisions, leading 315+ personnel.
- Strengthened coordination between R&D and production, reducing lead times.
- Achieved 7% raw material cost reduction via Lean manufacturing.
- Boosted monthly turnover from ₹3.7 crore to ₹10.5 crore within 90 days.
- Directed development of Textile Machinery, SPMs, and automation systems per IEC/UL/CE/RoHS standards.
Various Roles in Production, R&D Support, Process Engineering, and Customer Support - Elgi Electric and Industries Limited - Coimbatore, India
(2014 - 2018)
- Held positions in Production, R&D Support, Process Engineering, and Customer Support.
- Partnered with R&D to translate design concepts into manufacturable, high-quality solutions.
Deputy Manager – R&D - Lakshmi Machine Works Limited - Coimbatore, India
(2019-06 - 2021-12)
- Designed and developed the Lakshmi Autoconer Winding Machine.
- Led R&D initiatives focusing on design optimization, automation, and performance enhancement.
Project Manager - RV Machine Tools - Coimbatore, India
(2013-08 - 2014-07)
- Managed end-to-end project execution ensuring on-time delivery and client satisfaction.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and optimized workflows.
Manager – Projects & Operations - Rolls Appliances Pvt. Ltd. - Coimbatore, India
(2010-10 - 2013-08)
- Oversaw project planning, resource allocation, and production operations.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Manager – Design and Product Validation - MAK Controls and Systems Pvt. Ltd. - Coimbatore, India
(2008-10 - 2010-08)
- Led validation and reliability testing for aviation and industrial control systems.
- Designed and developed an Off-Road Electric 3-Wheeler Mini Truck for Military Use.
- Improved product quality via structured testing protocols and design validation.
Team Leader – Product Design Validation - Premier Evolvics Pvt. Ltd. - Coimbatore, India
(2003-01 - 2008-09)
- Managed validation of textile testing and automation products per global standards.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for product improvement and lifecycle enhancement.
Process Engineer - Texmo Industries - Coimbatore, India
(2002-06 - 2003-01)
- Optimized manufacturing processes for electrical pump production, improving throughput and quality.
Design and Service Engineer - Sheltronics - Coimbatore, India
(1998-05 - 2002-06)
- Designed and serviced control panels and embedded systems for industrial automation.
- Provided on-site installation, support, and troubleshooting for clients.
Education
B.E. - Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) - CIT, Coimbatore (2005 - 2009)
Diploma - Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) - NPA Polytechnic, Kothagiri (1988)