Key Responsibilities:

1. Production & Operations Management:

- Oversee daily plant operations to ensure achievement of production targets in line with demand and quality standards.

- Plan and schedule production activities, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum equipment utilization.

- Drive process optimization, yield improvement, and waste reduction initiatives.

2. Quality, Food Safety & Compliance:

- Ensure strict adherence to FSSAI, HACCP, ISO, BRC, GLOBAL GAP and other relevant food safety and quality certifications.

- Work closely with Quality Assurance teams to maintain high product quality and hygiene standards.

- Conduct regular audits and ensure corrective/preventive actions are implemented effectively.

3. Maintenance & Engineering:

- Oversee preventive and breakdown maintenance of plant machinery and utilities to ensure smooth operations.

- Collaborate with the engineering team to plan capacity expansions, equipment upgrades, and technology adoption.

4. Supply Chain & Inventory Control:

- Coordinate with procurement and logistics to ensure timely availability of raw materials and packaging materials.

- Monitor inventory levels and control wastage and obsolescence.

5. People Leadership:

- Lead, motivate, and develop the plant team across production, maintenance, quality, and warehousing functions.

- Drive performance management, skill development, and a culture of accountability and safety.

6. Cost & Efficiency Management:

- Prepare and control plant budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and cost competitiveness.

- Identify and implement productivity and energy-saving initiatives.

7. Continuous Improvement & Projects:

- Lead process improvement projects (Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, TPM, etc.).

- Participate in new product trials, process validations, and commissioning of new lines.

8. Safety, Health & Environment:

- Ensure compliance with EHS standards and statutory norms.

- Promote a strong safety culture within the plant.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's / Master's Degree in Food Technology, Mechanical / Chemical Engineering, or related field.

- 8-13 years of experience in food processing / FMCG / fresh produce / agro-based manufacturing industries.

- Proven experience in managing large-scale food production facilities.

- In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, plant automation, and modern manufacturing practices.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong leadership and team management abilities.

- Excellent knowledge of production planning and process control.

- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

- Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.

- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.