Plant Head / Factory Manager - Production & Operations

Job Description:

Responsibilities
Production Planning & Control
• Develop data-driven production schedules in alignment with demand forecasts, inventory targets, and
raw material availability.
• Track daily production performance and ensure adherence to planned targets on output, quality, and cost.
• Proactively identify and address operational bottlenecks using analytical and engineering insights.
• Maintain oversight of multiple product lines, optimizing batch sequencing, equipment utilization, and
resource allocation.
Data-Driven Operations
• Build dashboards and monitoring tools for key parameters such as yield, cycle time, downtime, and
resource efficiency.
• Analyze plant data to identify deviations or inefficiencies and recommend engineering-based corrective
actions.
• Establish and track performance KPIs, enabling management to make informed, data-backed operational
decisions.
• Lead digital initiatives to enhance real-time visibility and traceability of production metrics.
Process & Engineering Support
• Support process design, modification, and scale-up activities in coordination with R&D and project
engineering teams.
• Lead or assist in implementation of process improvement, debottlenecking, and cost-reduction projects.
• Ensure all process documentation (mass balance, PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, etc.) remains accurate and
updated.
• Champion process safety and ensure strict adherence to HAZOP recommendations, operating
limits, and EHS standards.
Operational Excellence
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, or other structured methodologies.
• Collaborate with maintenance and utility teams to improve equipment reliability, uptime, and energy
efficiency.

• Standardize workflows, reduce variability, and promote best practices across the plant
• Benchmark plant performance with industry standards to identify areas for improvement.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and discipline in operations.
Financial & Cost Control
• Monitor production costs, yields, and consumption patterns to ensure cost competitiveness.
• Analyze variances in raw material usage, utilities, and conversion costs to support financial reporting.
• Collaborate with finance and procurement to prepare and review plant budgets.
• Drive initiatives to reduce waste, improve yield, and enhance overall profitability.
Compliance & Safety
• Ensure all operations comply with statutory, environmental, and safety regulations.
• Support audits (ISO, GMP, EHS, customer, or regulatory) through accurate data and documentation.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective action for any safety or quality incidents.
Cross-Functional Leadership
• Work closely with production, quality, procurement, and management teams to align plant priorities.
• Serve as the central point for operational data, reporting insights, and driving accountability across teams.
• Contribute actively to plant-level reviews and improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
• Education:
o Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from a reputed engineering institution.
o Postgraduate qualification in Operations, Industrial Engineering, or Management will be an
advantage.
• Experience:
o 8–10 years of experience in a chemical or process manufacturing environment.
o Exposure to batch operations, production planning, and data-based performance analysis.
• Technical Competencies:
o Strong understanding of process design, thermodynamics, mass balance, and plant operations.
o Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI, or equivalent platforms.
o Familiarity with ERP or MES systems; experience in process simulation tools (Aspen Plus,
ChemCAD) is a plus.
• Behavioral Competencies:
o Analytical and data-oriented mindset.
o Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
o Structured problem solver with a continuous improvement attitude.
o Ability to collaborate across departments and influence outcomes through data and logic.