- Develop and implement a robust manufacturing strategy aligned with the business unit s strategic objectives, ensuring effective execution of plans to achieve targeted outcomes.
- Serve as the primary liaison between manufacturing and relevant stakeholders (e.g., Sales, QA, R&D, Finance).
- Communicate performance updates, challenges, and achievements to senior leadership.
- Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure optimal productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production, quality, safety, and delivery.
- Constructively manage relationships with union representatives, inspiring collaboration between the workforce and management to achieve unit goals.
- Develop and manage budgets for the unit, including forecasting resource needs and controlling costs.
- Allocate human, material, and equipment resources effectively to meet production targets.
Customer & Quality Assurance - Foster a strong customer-centric mindset throughout the workforce, ensuring that customer needs and expectations remain central to all activities
- Ensure robust quality management systems are in place and drive continuous improvement in product quality.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes to address quality issues.
Supply Chain Collaboration - Work closely with Procurement, logistics, and planning teams to optimize inventory levels and ensure timely availability of raw materials.
- Support new product introductions by aligning manufacturing capabilities with market requirements.
People Development & Leadership - Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives.
- Drive employee engagement initiatives to drive a high performance culture
- Identify and implement new technologies, automation solutions, and digital tools to improve manufacturing performance.
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices; champion adoption of relevant innovations.
Risk Management & Business Continuity - Identify operational risks within manufacturing processes; develop mitigation plans to ensure business continuity.
- Lead crisis management efforts during unplanned events (e.g., equipment failures, supply disruptions).
Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
- Promote sustainable manufacturing practices to minimize environmental impact.
- Drive initiatives for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible resource usage.
Compliance & Audit Readiness - Ensure full compliance to all statutory & regulatory requirements for the units operations
- Ensure readiness for internal and external audits by maintaining thorough documentation and compliance with all applicable standards (ISO, industry-specific certifications).
- Proactively liase with regulatory authorities to stay informed of changes in relevant regulations and to address the company s position or challenges in a constructive and collaborative manner.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by embedding best practices and encouraging innovation across all operational processes.
What are the Key Deliverables in this role
- Develop and achieve the unit s Capex, revenue, and working capital budgets.
- Meet packaging material budget targets set for the unit.
- Drive cost optimization initiatives and consistently achieve cost reduction targets.
- Attain customer service metrics established for the unit to ensure high levels of satisfaction and responsiveness.
- Deliver best in class performance across HSE [Health Safety & Environment], Production, Yield, Waste, P&F [Power & Fuel], OEE [Overall Equipment Effectiveness], Quality and other operational KPIs
- Implement robust processes to ensure effective asset care through industry leading maintenance practices
- Ensure full compliance with all statutory & regulatory requirements related to the unit & its products
- Meet all certification requirements applicable to the unit
- Lead the execution of the units Digital Transformation roadmap
- Consistently maintain GMP standards as defined for the unit
Innovation and Learning - Identify & deliver on Continuous Improvement initiatives for the unit
- Partner with R&D and QA team to deliver on the innovation agenda for Instant Tea products
- Collaborate with HR business partners to identify training needs & deliver targeted employee development program
- Develop and support career progression plans for high potential employees
What are the Critical success factors for the Role
- Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale manufacturing facilities, 15+ years in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Operations Director, Production Head)
- Proven track record in implementing lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies is critical to the role
- Experience with automation, digitization, and Industry 4.0 technologies
- Previous experience in extraction, evaporation & drying industry
- Experience in quality management systems
- Strong financial acumen (cost control/investment planning)
- Commitment to safety & statutory compliance
- Proven ability to manage multi-functional teams
- Ability to deliver change
What are the Desirable success factors for the Role
- Experience in Instant Tea Operations would be an added advantage
- Bachelor s in chemical or mechanical or process engineering would be preferable
