Plant Head - Food Industry

Job Summary: The Plant Head is responsible for the overall management of plant operations in a food manufacturing facility. This role involves overseeing production, quality, maintenance, safety, and supply chain activities to ensure timely, cost-effective, and high-quality output. The Plant Head ensures compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements, drives continuous improvement, and fosters a culture of excellence and accountability. Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership: Oversee end-to-end plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, and warehousing. Ensure optimal utilisation of resources to meet production targets, while maintaining product quality and safety standards. Implement manufacturing best practices to improve productivity and reduce waste. Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards (FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, etc.). Liaise with regulatory authorities during audits and inspections. Maintain robust quality assurance systems and ensure zero product recalls or rejections. Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing team across various departments. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning. Monitor workforce performance and provide training where necessary. Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Develop and execute the plant's operational strategy aligned with the company's overall goals. Prepare and manage budgets for production, maintenance, and manpower. Control operational costs without compromising on quality or safety. Maintenance & Asset Management: Ensure timely preventive maintenance of machinery and infrastructure. Plan for equipment upgrades or new installations in collaboration with the engineering team. Stakeholder Coordination: Work closely with R&D, Supply Chain, QA, and Marketing teams to align production plans. Support new product introductions by ensuring manufacturing readiness. Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field. 1020 years of experience in food manufacturing with a proven track record in plant operations. Strong knowledge of food safety standards and manufacturing compliance requirements. Experience in managing teams and implementing continuous improvement methodologies. Skills & Competencies: Leadership and people management skills Strong analytical and problem-solving ability Knowledge of automation, ERP systems (SAP preferred), and manufacturing technologies Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills Ability to work under pressure and manage change effectively Preferred Industries: Dairy, Beverages, Bakery, Confectionery, Frozen Foods, Packaged Foods, FMCG