Manager - Engineering, Kothamangalam

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Manager Engineering Excellence with 810 years of experience in the FMCG industry. The role demands a strong leader who can institutionalize engineering best practices, optimize maintenance systems, drive energy and cost efficiency, and elevate technical capabilities across the plant teams. This position plays a key role in strengthening operational reliability, sustainability, and future-readiness of our manufacturing setup.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Engineering Best Practices & Maintenance Systems

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve Preventive & Predictive Maintenance programs.
• Drive the transformation from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) dependency to OPM (Own Performance Management).
• Ensure high equipment reliability and up time across production units.
• Lead digitalization initiatives in maintenance and utilities through CMMS, IoT, and smart analytics platforms.
• Execute Capex projects related to utilities, maintenance infrastructure, or automation upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering teams across multiple factories to standardize best practices and ensure benchmarking.

2. R&M (Repair & Maintenance) Cost Management

• Analyze R&M costs, identify cost-saving opportunities and implement effective measures.
• Optimize inventory and spare parts management in coordination with stores and procurement.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) of high-cost breakdowns and recurring issues.

3. Energy Conservation & Sustainability

• Lead energy efficiency initiatives across utilities and production processes.
• Monitor and benchmark specific energy consumption metrics and implement reduction strategies.
• Champion sustainability projects (waste heat recovery, renewable energy, water conservation, etc.).
• Support in preparation of data for internal and external sustainability audits/awards.

4. Capability Building

• Design and execute training programs to enhance engineering and maintenance team competencies.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in engineering practices.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians on advanced maintenance tools (TPM, FMEA, 5 Why, etc.).

5. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure engineering practices are aligned with safety, food safety, and statutory compliance requirements.
• Drive excellence in documentation and engineering MIS (Maintenance KPIs, Breakdown reports, Audit trails, etc.)

Preferred candidate profile

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Electrical / Industrial Engineering from a reputed institute.
• 810 years of relevant experience in an FMCG / Food / Consumer Goods Manufacturing environment.
• Strong exposure to TPM, RCA, Energy Management Systems, OEE improvement, and cost optimization.
• Experience in leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

Competencies:

• Strong business acumen with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Passion for operational excellence, sustainability, and team development.
• Ability to manage change and drive cultural transformation in plant engineering