Manufaturing Head

Role & responsibilities

Primary Objectives of the Position:

To lead the Central Manufacturing Unit (CMU) operations with full accountability for production output, process efficiency, quality compliance, and cost optimization. The role is expected to drive manufacturing excellence, operational agility, and team capability in alignment with organizational goals and safety standards.

Job Profile:

• Drive cost optimization initiatives including usage of non-moving stocks and execution of Black Belt Six Sigma projects to deliver measurable savings.
• Ensure timely resolution of customer complaints within defined SLA (e.g., 48 hours) to enhance customer satisfaction and operational responsiveness.
• Lead the development of manufacturing strategies such as market-proximate sourcing, capacity leverage, and contingency planning.
• Monitor and improve OTIF (On-Time In-Full) metrics for packaging materials to ensure alignment with production requirements and customer expectations.
• Rationalize and renegotiate CMU agreements to optimize cost structures and eliminate inefficiencies (e.g., fixed cost conversions).
• Implement continuous improvement projects at CMU with clear cost-saving or process-efficiency outcomes.
• Identify and groom internal successors for critical roles through structured development plans and readiness assessments.
• Improve employee retention and engagement by monitoring attrition metrics and initiating targeted interventions.
• Support New Product Development (NPD) execution by ensuring CMU capability readiness and cross-functional alignment.
• Drive a Comprehensive CMU Strategy for the group.

Knowledge:

• Core manufacturing systems and technologies in FMCG or industrial production
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and process optimization frameworks
• Regulatory requirements for safety, environment, and factory operations
• Production planning, inventory control, and quality assurance processes

Skill:

• Plant operations leadership and cross-functional coordination
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical problem-solving
• Change management and process reengineering
• Team development and people management
• Cost control and budget ownership
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
• Should possess very strong negotiation skills

Experience:

20+ years of manufacturing experience in a process-driven industry, preferably FMCG/Pharma/Engineering, with at least 5-10 years in a plant/department leadership role.

Qualification:

B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Production, or Industrial Engineering. Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA in Operations) and certifications in Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) will be preferred.

Preferred candidate profile