General Manager Operations

The General Manager – Operations will lead the end-to-end operations of Astra Polymers’ manufacturing plant in Dahej, Gujarat, ensuring world-class production of polymer additives and masterbatch products. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, maintaining strict quality standards, optimizing production efficiencies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and creating a safe, high-performance culture. The GM will act as the strategic and operational leader for the plant. Key Responsibilities A. Plant Operations Management - Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, and EHS. - Ensure uninterrupted manufacturing with optimized machine efficiency (twin-screw extruders, compounding lines, mixers, etc.). - Oversee production planning aligned with customer demand and global business priorities. - Maintain strict adherence to daily, weekly, and monthly production KPIs. B. Quality Assurance & Compliance - Ensure compliance with ISO standards, ASTM, and industry-specific quality norms relevant to polymer additives/masterbatch. - Maintain product consistency and quality levels required for domestic and export markets. - Drive reduction of production defects, customer complaints, and batch rejections. C. Safety, Health & Environment (EHS) - Enforce compliance with Gujarat State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) norms and national environmental laws. - Implement global EHS standards including hazard control, waste management, fire safety, and incident investigation. - Promote a safety-first culture across plant operations. D. People Leadership & Development - Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams (100–300 employees depending on plant scale). - Drive a performance-driven culture with clear goals, continuous training, and professional development. - Ensure effective manpower planning, recruitment, and retention. E. Engineering & Maintenance - Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all plant equipment. - Manage plant upgrades, new line installations, capacity expansions, and technology improvements. - Ensure optimal uptime of extruders, feeders, chillers, packaging systems, and utility equipment. F. Supply Chain & Inventory Management - Oversee procurement, vendor management, inbound raw materials (polymers, pigments, additives), and outbound logistics. - Ensure cost-effective sourcing and timely availability of raw materials. - Optimize inventory levels to reduce working capital without impacting production schedules. G. Cost & Budget Management - Drive cost optimization initiatives across energy, manpower, wastage, and logistics. - Prepare and monitor annual plant budgets. - Ensure achievement of plant profitability targets. H. Compliance & Government Liaison - Ensure compliance with labour regulations, factory act, environmental permissions, and state regulations. - Liaise with local authorities, statutory bodies, and industrial development authorities in Gujarat. I. Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement - Lead continuous improvement programs (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma). - Support new product development (NPD) and trials. - Drive automation, digitalization, and process modernization initiatives. 3. Qualifications & Experience Required: - Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering / Polymer Engineering / Mechanical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred. - 15–25 years of experience in polymer manufacturing, chemical processing, or masterbatch production. - Minimum 7+ years in senior operations leadership (Plant Head / GM / Senior Operations Manager). - Strong knowledge of extrusion processes, compounding operations, pigment dispersion, and quality control. - Experience managing operations in Gujarat industrial zones (e.g., Dahej, Sanand, Bharuch, Vapi, Vadodara) is an advantage. Desired: - Exposure to Middle East or global polymer manufacturing standards (preferred due to Astra Polymers’ international presence). - Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or EHS programs. - Person has exposure of working in SEZ (Special Economic Zone) is preferable. - Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred). 4. Key Skills & Competencies - Strong leadership and team development skills - Excellent communication and stakeholder management - Deep understanding of polymer chemistry and processing - Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities - High level of integrity and accountability - Ability to thrive in dynamic, growth-oriented environments