Sarath Madala

The Fusion of Strategic Prowess & Hands-On Expertise

Sarath Madala

India Operations Manager

Bracalente Manufacturing Group

The manufacturing sector is critical and complex. Its operational intricacies are pivotal to global economies. What ensures success in this field is the delicate functioning of business operations, where strategic acumen and operational finesse determine success. In this complex field, Sarath Madala emerges as a leader in operations management for his company. He showcases a remarkable fusion of strategic prowess and hands-on expertise. As the India Operations Manager at Bracalente Manufacturing Group, his journey characterises a relentless commitment to revolutionising sourcing strategies and fostering supplier development.
His astute understanding of the intricate dynamics of global sourcing has contributed to the competitive landscape, enabling cost reduction and enhancing market advantage. Sarath’s hands-on approach to connecting with suppliers has bridged critical gaps in business operations, amplifying collaboration and performance. His tenure coinciding with the ‘Make in India’ initiative showcased his acute market evaluation skills, navigating regional strengths and cultural nuances to maximise opportunities within the country’s evolving industrial ecosystem.
A harbinger of change, Sarath redefined the narrative around manufacturing hubs by championing India’s capability to deliver superior-quality products at competitive costs. His success in capturing American clientele underscores his unwavering commitment to quality, timely delivery, and cost efficiency. With a keen eye for export dynamics, Sarath optimises operations, ensuring adherence to destination country standards while fostering seamless international trade.
As we speak with Sarath to learn more about his journey as an operational manager, he continues to steer Bracalente towards its unprecedented success in the global manufacturing landscape.

How do your aerospace studies ensure efficient, high-quality, and safe aerospace manufacturing processes?

My aerospace and aeronautical engineering background focused on aircraft and propulsion system design, aerodynamic performance, and materials. Commencing my career at Pratt & Whitney in aircraft engine airworthiness and repair development, I prioritised quality, understanding the criticality of precision in avoiding catastrophic failures. Training under United Technologies Corporation (UTC) instilled comprehensive quality tools, which were seamlessly integrated into processes to minimise errors and ensure optimal quality from the outset, thereby enhancing efficiency.

What major challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

Navigating India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape posed significant challenges in the early stages of my career. Establishing and managing various business facets, from vendor relations to product development, demanded seamless communication within a multifaceted environment. Despite my proficiency in English and my native language, my limited Hindi proficiency initially hindered shop floor interactions, leading to discomfort among workers and potential communication gaps. Reluctance to speak Hindi for fear of errors led to reliance on translators, resulting in inefficiencies and rework.
Realising the risks to customer commitments, I embraced the challenge, overcoming language barriers by learning Hindi and other regional languages. This transformation facilitated direct communication, fostering stronger connections and enhancing productivity. Building confidence in regional languages enabled efficient and accurate interactions, transforming my ability to communicate effectively in three regional languages, which accelerated work pace and ensured precision.

What are your future goals, and where do you envision yourself in five years?

My future vision revolves around innovation in manufacturing estimation and sourcing. I aspire to pioneer technology that automates cost estimations for manufacturing across diverse regions, both domestically and internationally. Recognising the essence of time in today’s competitive landscape, my goal is to ensure swift and precise operations to thrive in this rapidly evolving world. Over the next five years, I envision spearheading transformative advancements in technology that streamline and enhance manufacturing processes, enabling faster, more accurate, and more competitive practices in a dynamic global market.

How has your diverse international business experience enhanced your leadership skills?

My overseas experience in diverse business settings has been instrumental in shaping my leadership abilities. Engaging in business process excellence at UTC, I facilitated training and supported global units in identifying and rectifying process gaps, amplifying overall efficiency. Interacting with manufacturers and suppliers worldwide allowed me to share best practices, expanding my operational expertise and understanding of global supply chain dynamics.
This exposure deepened my comprehension of end-to-end manufacturing, from material sourcing to machine distribution across B2B and B2C markets. Acquiring insights into these intricate supply chain connections honed my ability to comprehend customer requirements comprehensively. It empowered me to discern the most suitable processes, align resources effectively, and mitigate risks, thereby fortifying my leadership approach by enabling informed decision-making and strategic resource allocation.

What qualities and skills do you think are essential for an effective operations manager in manufacturing, and how do you embody these traits?

In the manufacturing solutions industry, I prioritise stakeholder relationships— customers, owners, employees, and vendors—to achieve quality output and lasting partnerships. Understanding people, processes, vendors, and customers fuels analytical thinking and efficient execution. I foster an innovative culture, encouraging unconventional thinking for novel solutions. Data-driven decisions, enabled by robust data collection systems, can optimise production, reduce costs, and elevate quality and profitability. These qualities—stakeholder engagement, holistic understanding, innovation, and datacentricity—drive my leadership approach in manufacturing operations.