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 ResponsibilitiesA. Plant Operations ManagementLead 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 & ComplianceEnsure 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 & DevelopmentLead, 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 & MaintenanceOversee 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 ManagementOversee 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 ManagementDrive cost optimization initiatives across energy, manpower, wastage, and logistics.Prepare and monitor annual plant budgets.Ensure achievement of plant profitability targets.H. Compliance & Government LiaisonEnsure 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 ImprovementLead continuous improvement programs (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma).Support new product development (NPD) and trials.Drive automation, digitalization, and process modernization initiatives.3. Qualifications & ExperienceRequired: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 & CompetenciesStrong leadership and team development skillsExcellent communication and stakeholder managementDeep understanding of polymer chemistry and processingStrong problem-solving and decision-making capabilitiesHigh level of integrity and accountabilityAbility to thrive in dynamic, growth-oriented environments