Skills:
Ethoxylation, Ethylene Oxide, Alkoxylation, Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylates, Fatty Amine Ethoxylates, Alcohol Ethoxylates, Surfactants, Ethoxylation Reactors,Unit Head - Ethoxylation Process
Company:
Indo Amines Limited
Location:
Vadodara, Gujarat
Department:
Manufacturing Operations
Reports to:
Plant Manager/Operations Director
Position Summary
- Indo Amines Limited seeks an experienced and dynamic Unit Head for Ethoxylation Process to lead and manage the ethoxylation manufacturing unit at our Vadodara facility. The role involves overseeing the complete ethoxylation process operations, ensuring safe and efficient production of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty amine ethoxylates, and related specialty chemicals. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations Leadership
- Lead end-to-end ethoxylation process operations including fatty alcohol ethoxylation, fatty amine ethoxylation, and alkoxylation processes
- Manage daily plant operations ensuring optimal production planning to meet customer demands and delivery schedules
- Oversee reactor operations with ethylene oxide addition at controlled temperatures (180C) and pressures (1-2 bar) using KOH catalyst
- Ensure process safety and prevent thermal runaway situations in highly exothermic ethoxylation reactions
- Optimize production processes to maximize efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness
Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)
- Enforce strict adherence to EHS guidelines as per regulatory and company standards
- Manage hazardous chemical operations including ethylene oxide handling and storage
- Ensure zero incidents by fostering a culture of safety and compliance
- Implement Process Safety Management (PSM) systems and emergency response procedures
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Ensure product quality meets both internal and external benchmarks for ethoxylated products
- Collaborate with QA/QC teams for audit readiness and certification compliance (ISO, GMP, etc.)
- Maintain product specifications for various ethoxylates including different EO molar ratios
Team Leadership & People Management
- Lead cross-functional teams across production, quality, maintenance, EHS, and logistics
- Promote high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and employee development
- Manage workforce planning and resource allocation for optimal operations
Financial Management
- Manage P&L responsibility for the ethoxylation unit operations
- Handle capex planning, procurement, and implementation for unit improvements
- Drive cost optimization initiatives and operational efficiency improvements
Technical Excellence
- Implement process improvements and technology upgrades for enhanced productivity
- Conduct process analysis and troubleshooting for optimal reactor performance
- Ensure equipment reliability including ethoxylation reactors, distillation systems, and control systems
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (B.E./B.Tech) - Mandatory
- Master's degree (M.Tech/MBA) preferred for senior leadership roles
- PhD in Chemical Engineering would be an added advantage
Experience
- Minimum 15-20 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing
- At least 5-7 years in leadership roles as Unit Head/Plant Head/Operations Manager
- Specific experience in ethoxylation processes and surfactant manufacturing - Highly Preferred
- Experience with fatty alcohol ethoxylation, fatty amine ethoxylation operations
Technical Expertise
- Deep knowledge of ethoxylation chemistry including ethylene oxide addition reactions
- Experience in reactor operations with pressure vessels and temperature control systems
- Understanding of surfactant chemistry and non-ionic surfactant applications
- Knowledge of process control systems (DCS/PLC) and safety instrumented systems
- Experience with hazardous chemical handling including ethylene oxide safety
Industry Experience
- Specialty chemicals manufacturing with focus on surfactants and ethoxylates
- Experience in similar chemical processes like alkoxylation, sulfonation, or related reactions
- Knowledge of personal care, home care, or industrial chemical applications
Leadership Skills
Essential Skills & Competencies
- Strong team leadership and people management capabilities
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Change management and organizational development
Technical Skills
- Process optimization and manufacturing excellence
- Quality management systems and statistical process control
- Project management and capital investment planning
Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English
- Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
- Presentation skills for management reporting
Safety & Compliance
- Process safety management and risk assessment
- Environmental compliance and sustainability practices
- Regulatory knowledge and audit management
Preferred Certifications
- Six Sigma Black Belt/Green Belt
- Lean Manufacturing Certification
- Process Safety Management (PSM) Certification
- ISO 9001/14001/45001 Lead Auditor
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Production efficiency and throughput optimization
- Safety performance (zero incidents target)
- Quality metrics and customer satisfaction
- Cost management and P&L performance
- Environmental compliance and sustainability goals
- Team development and employee engagement
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to chemical processes
- Rotating shifts coverage and emergency response availability
- Travel requirements for technical meetings and training
- Hands-on involvement in plant operations and troubleshooting
