Role Purpose:

To lead spice processing operations and strengthen supply chain capabilities in line with business objectives while driving operational excellence, process optimization, quality compliance, and technology advancement across manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Planning

- Support business leadership in formulating operational and supply chain strategies.

- Develop execution roadmaps and monitor progress against defined action plans.

- Provide operational MIS and analytical reports for management decision-making.

- Review and finalize CAPEX plans for processing facility upgrades and expansion.

- Manage budgeting for engineering spares, consumables, and technical requirements.

Technical & Process Development

- Design and optimize processing layouts, plant capacity, and operational workflows.

- Drive adoption of new technologies for improving productivity and business efficiency.

- Develop and implement innovative spice processing methodologies.

- Assess impact of new product development on manufacturing and supply chain operations.

- Lead technical development projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

- Benchmark processing facilities and practices against international standards.

- Drive implementation of global certifications and quality systems.

Operations & Supply Chain Management

- Ensure efficient processing operations with focus on quality, cost, and delivery timelines.

- Drive cost optimization and eliminate operational bottlenecks.

- Develop, review, and improve SOPs for processing and supply chain functions.

- Ensure compliance with food safety, statutory, health, and safety regulations.

- Optimize manpower utilization and operational resources.

- Maintain end-to-end traceability across processing operations.

- Coordinate hygiene audits, quality audits, customer visits, and plant inspections.

- Oversee inventory management and vendor coordination activities.

- Provide technical guidance and operational support to plant teams.

Plant Maintenance & Engineering

- Establish preventive maintenance systems for plant machinery and equipment.

- Analyze operational issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.

- Ensure plant reliability, safety, and equipment efficiency.

Training & Capability Building

- Build technical capabilities within operations and supply chain teams.

- Conduct training programs on quality standards, process compliance, and operational excellence.

- Promote continuous learning and development across teams.

Skills and Experience:

Desired Candidate Profile:

Education:

- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Food Technology, Production Engineering or related disciplines.

- M.E./M.Tech preferred.

- Candidates from premier institutes such as IITs/NITs preferred.

Experience:

- 10-15 years of experience in manufacturing, technical operations, or supply chain within food processing/spices/FMCG industries.

- Strong exposure to spice processing operations, plant engineering, and supply chain management preferred.

Required Competencies:

Technical Skills:

- Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering concepts.

- Expertise in plant layout, process design, and manufacturing systems.

- Knowledge of food processing technologies and spice quality parameters.

- Familiarity with ISO, HACCP, TQM, TPM, and process control systems.

- Exposure to modern processing equipment and maintenance systems.

- Project management knowledge including PERT/CPM techniques.

Managerial Skills:

- Strong leadership and team management abilities.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Commercial negotiation and vendor management capabilities.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving orientation.

Additional Requirements:

- Willingness to travel as per business requirements.

- Ability to adapt to diverse operational environments and locations.