Chief Operations Officer

Key Position for Operations ExcellenceA leading role in the manufacturing sector is available. The successful candidate will oversee all operations, ensuring world-class production of polymer additives and masterbatch products.Lead 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.Required Skills and QualificationsBachelor’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 Skills and QualificationsExposure 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.Key Skills & CompetenciesStrong 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.