Role Overview

The role demands a seasoned manufacturing leader with strong exposure to frozen food processing, automation-driven manufacturing, lean systems, and data-based performance management.

The incumbent will be responsible for operational excellence, cost optimization, compliance, productivity enhancement, and scaling plant capabilities aligned with global standards.

Key Responsibilities

1) Plant Operations & Manufacturing Excellence

- Lead end-to-end plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and dispatch.

- Drive optimal capacity utilization while ensuring product quality and safety standards.

- Implement structured production planning and control systems.

2) Automation & Digital Manufacturing

- Lead implementation and optimization of automation systems, PLC-controlled lines, robotics, and integrated production systems.

- Establish data-driven dashboards to monitor OEE, yield, downtime, wastage, and productivity metrics.

- Drive adoption of ERP, MES, and real-time analytics for operational transparency.

3) Cost & Productivity Optimization

- Reduce manufacturing cost per unit through lean initiatives.

- Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

- Optimize manpower productivity and plant efficiency.

- Manage budgets and drive margin improvement initiatives.

4) Quality & Compliance

- Ensure compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, BRC, ISO and international food safety standards.

- Maintain strict cold chain integrity for frozen product handling.

- Lead audit preparedness and global export compliance.

5) Supply Chain & Inventory Management

- Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams for raw material planning.

- Ensure efficient cold storage management and inventory controls.

- Minimize wastage and improve yield performance.

6) Leadership & Culture

- Lead and develop plant teams including production managers, engineering, QA, and support functions.

- Drive performance culture through KPIs and structured review mechanisms.

- Promote safety-first and continuous improvement mindset.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- OEE Improvement %

- Cost per Unit Reduction

- Capacity Utilization %

- Downtime Reduction

- Yield Improvement

- Audit & Compliance Score

- Safety Metrics (Zero major incidents)

- EBITDA improvement contribution

Candidate Profile

Mandatory Requirements:

- 15-20 years of manufacturing experience in Frozen Foods / Processed Foods industry

- Strong exposure to automation-driven manufacturing environments

- Proven track record of implementing data analytics and digital operations dashboards

- Experience managing large workforce and multi-functional plant teams

Preferred:

- Engineering Degree (Mechanical / Production / Food Technology)

- MBA/Operations preferred

- Exposure to export-oriented manufacturing units

- Experience handling frozen ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook categories

Leadership Competencies

- Strategic thinker with strong execution capability

- Data-oriented decision maker

- High ownership mindset

- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills

- Change management and transformation capability