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 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 & 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 & 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