Job Opening for HEAD

Role :
HEAD - Operations Agri & Food Processing

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Madurai

Crescent Innovation & Incubation Council (CIIC) is a university-based incubator at BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology. Supporting 134 startups in Life Sciences, Industry 4.0, and Smart & Clean Mobility, CIIC operates as a Section-8 not-for-profit company, functioning as a "One Stop Shop – Startup Incubator." It fosters a collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem for students, faculty, industry, investors, government, and society.

About the Role:

The
HEAD - Operations Agri & Food Processing
will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and demonstration of food processing machinery used in training and incubation activities. This role is critical in supporting training programs for unemployed youth, tribals, women, SHGs, and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), under the ASPIRE Livelihood Business Incubator initiative supported by MSME, Government of India.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Operations:
   Develop technical strategy for food processing and agricultural operations. Manage crop planning, cultivation, processing activities, and establish farm-to-fork value chains.
2. Equipment Management:
   Operate and maintain food processing equipment and agricultural machinery. Implement maintenance schedules and ensure safety compliance.
3. Training & Capacity Building
   : Design and deliver training programs on food processing and agricultural practices. Conduct workshops, establish demonstration plots, and mentor technical staff.
4. Startup Support:
   Provide technical consultation to agri-startups, SHGs, and FPCs. Guide product development, process optimization, and conduct business viability assessments.
5. Quality & Compliance:
   Implement FSSAI, GAP, GMP, and HACCP standards. Conduct audits and support certification processes for organic and quality marks.
6. Innovation & R&D:
   Collaborate with agricultural universities on technology transfer. Promote sustainable farming practices and support product innovation.
7. Value Chain Development:
   Establish farmer-market linkages, design aggregation models, and facilitate market connections for entrepreneurs.
8. Documentation & Reporting:
   Maintain operational records, prepare technical reports and impact assessments, and develop SOPs and training manuals.
9. Stakeholder Partnerships:
   Build relationships with government departments, KVKs, suppliers, and certification bodies. Represent CIIC at technical forums and exhibitions.
10. Team Leadership:
    Supervise technical staff, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and ensure integrated support for entrepreneurs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's/Master's in Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering, or related field
• 5-7 years experience in food processing and agricultural operations
• FSSAI/HACCP/GAP certifications preferred
• Experience with FPCs, SHGs, and startup incubation

Key Skills:

• Food processing and agricultural expertise
• Training and mentorship abilities
• Fluency in Tamil and English
• Strong field orientation and stakeholder management

Reach us at with an updated resume and the latest profile picture.