Vinay Kulkarni

A dynamic, competitive, and results-driven Quality&Manufacturing professional with 23+ years of experience in Quality dept Production Management, and Automotive Industry. Specializing in lighting like Head lamp Tail lamps,Blinkers RR,DRL,etc in 2wh ,3wh and 4 wh manufacturing and EV automotive components,wireing Harness And Switchs with deep expertise in QMS development (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001,), Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement (Kaizen). Proven track record in managing large teams, KPI/KMI/KBI/KAI governance, supplier quality management, and building high-performance assembly and quality operations for Tier-1 automotive suppliers.

Currently leading EV Cables and Switch Division operations as Quality Head (AGM) serving marquee OEM customers.

Quality Head – AGM at Dhoot Automotive Pvt. Ltd. (2026-04 – Present)

Heading the Quality function for the EV Cables and Switch Division, responsible for end-to-end quality management from incoming material to customer delivery.

• Ensuring compliance with IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and standards across the division.
• Driving quality systems and processes aligned with EV-specific productrequirements for cables and switch assemblies.
• Managing customer-specific quality requirements (CSR) for Bajaj Auto, Suzuki, TVS Motors, Mahindra&Mahindra, TAFE, and Ather Energy.
• Establishing and monitoring KPIs, KMIs, KBIs, and KAIs to drive quality performance and business excellence.
• Leading supplier quality management – qualification, audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action follow-up.
• Implementing Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen initiatives to reduce waste, improve process efficiency, and enhance product quality.
• Conducting internal and facilitating external audits including customer audits and regulatory certifications.

Assembly Head at Lumax Industry (2024-01 – 2026-03)

• Led a team of 150+ assembly line workers in the production of automotive light fixtures and components.
• Streamlined assembly processes, resulting in a 20% increase in production efficiency and a 15% reduction in production costs.
• Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles, reducing waste and improving overall workflow.
• Conducted regular quality control assessments, achieving a 99.5% product quality rate.
• Coordinated with production planning team to ensure timely delivery, maintaining a 98% on-time shipment rate.
• Developed and executed training programs for new hires and ongoing staff development.
• Managed major clientrelationships including Tata Motors and Mahindra&Mahindra as Assembly Head.
• Actively participated in VAVE (Value Analysis and Value Engineering) activities, contributing to cost optimization, process improvement, and value enhancement initiatives across the plant.

Quality Head at Lumax Auto Technologies Limited (2005-01 – 2024-01)

IATF, TPM, JIPM certified company – Manufacturing automotive lighting parts for Bajaj, Tata Motors, Daimler, and Mahindra.

• Led complete Quality Control system for all in-processes, Management Documents, and in-house Product&Process Audits.
• Internal Certified Auditor for IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and handled ACMA,and COP audits.
• Drove TPM activities at plant level; championed continuous improvement through Kaizen initiatives.
• Created and monitored monthly and quarterly KPI goals to meet organizational objectives.
• Implemented processes as per customer CSR requirements; maintained all customer scores and ratings data.
• Managed quality conformity of supplies through active supplier performance monitoring, complaintresolution, action plans, and audits.
• Developed and implemented comprehensive Quality Management Systems (QMS) across the organization.
• Coordinated external audits and facilitated successful certification by regulatory bodies.
• Maintained Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL)standard requirements and ensured ongoing compliance.
• Collaborated with suppliers on contemporary quality assurance processes to facilitate continuous improvement.

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – SUCP College (2002)