Manufacturing Business Unit Head—Divisional Leadership

Table of Contents

The Divisional Leader: Manufacturing Business Unit Head

Business unit heads lead manufacturing divisions—complete P&L ownership, product line leadership, divisional strategy. They earn ₹2,00,000-3,50,000/month, with top performers reaching ₹4,00,000-7,00,000+/month.

What Business Unit Heads Do

Divisional Strategy (40%):

  • Define business unit strategy
  • Set growth targets
  • Market and competitive strategy
  • Innovation and product strategy
  • Technology and operational strategy
  • Multi-year plans

Operations Management (35%):

  • Oversee business unit operations
  • Manage P&L (often ₹100-500+ crore)
  • Performance management
  • Cost control and efficiency
  • Quality and compliance
  • Supply chain management

Leadership & Organization (15%):

  • Lead business unit organization
  • Develop divisional leadership
  • Build high-performing culture
  • Talent management
  • Organizational effectiveness

External Engagement (10%):

  • Customer relationships
  • Supplier relationships
  • Regulatory interface
  • Board reporting (for division)

Key Responsibilities

Strategic (50%):

  • Divisional vision and strategy
  • Growth strategy
  • Competitive positioning
  • Technology and innovation strategy
  • Organizational strategy

Operational (35%):

  • P&L management
  • Operational execution
  • Performance management
  • Cost control
  • Risk management

Leadership (15%):

  • Team leadership
  • Talent development
  • Culture building
  • Organizational effectiveness

Critical Skills

  • Strategic business planning
  • P&L and financial management (large)
  • Leadership of large organizations
  • Sales and marketing
  • Operations management
  • Manufacturing knowledge
  • Executive presence and communication

Salary Expectations

Business Unit Head:
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000/month
Plus: Significant bonus (40-80% of salary), Stock options, Executive benefits

Senior Business Unit Head:
₹3,50,000 – ₹5,00,000/month

Corporate Executive / CEO (Promotion from BU Head):
₹5,00,000 – ₹12,00,000+/month

Entry Requirements

  • 18-20 years manufacturing/business experience
  • 10-12 years in director/VP level roles
  • Profit center management experience (₹50+ crore)
  • Sales/marketing background
  • P&L accountability
  • Strategic leadership proven
  • Executive presence
  • Industry credibility

The Bottom Line

Business unit heads are mini-CEOs of divisions. Entry ₹2,00,000-3,50,000 → senior level ₹3,50,000-5,00,000+. Complete P&L authority. Executive compensation and benefits. Board exposure. Direct path to CEO.

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