Vice President Operations

VP Operations - Surat

Executive Summary

The role is pivotal to driving operational transformation, cost efficiency, and leadership stability in a BRC/FDA compliant food manufacturing setup. The assignment is led by Blue Genes Research (BGR) and governed by our globally benchmarked executive search process.

1. Client Overview

Headquarters: Surat, Gujarat

Industry: Food Manufacturing (Export-oriented, BRC/FDA certified)

Parent Company: UK based

Turnover: INR ~100 Cr

Employees: ~250

Plant Certifications: BRC A Grade, Sedex Accredited, FDA Compliant

a. Background

The Indian entity company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK-based global group, manufacturing RTE and preserved foods exclusively for export. Despite major investments in automation and capacity, operational performance has remained suboptimal, prompting the need for professional leadership at the Surat facility.

b. Strategic Vision

To transform the Surat operations into a world-class, professionally run, performance-led export facility supporting the company's global growth, while upskilling legacy teams and embedding global best practices.

c. Work Culture

Currently semi-informal with legacy influences. Aspires to shift toward a performance-driven, systemized, metrics-led culture with strong collaboration between India and UK leadership.

2. Role Definition

Position: Vice President – Operations

Location: Surat, Gujarat

Reports To: Managing Director (UK)

Function: End-to-End Site Operations (Excluding Technical, Quality & NPD Reporting)

a. Purpose of the Role

To lead all non-technical site operations and deliver product in line with agreed cost, timelines, and compliance parameters, transforming the Surat plant into a high-performance, KPI-driven, export manufacturing facility.

b. Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize end-to-end manufacturing operations, engineering, maintenance, hygiene, supply chain, and logistics functions.
• Accountable for delivering output that meets quality and compliance standards in collaboration with the Technical Director (India).
• Drive demand planning, production scheduling, material call-offs, inventory planning, and warehouse operations for FG and RM/packaging.
• Own KPIs on OTIF, efficiency, yield, wastage, and downtime across operations and supply chain.
• Ensure all processes align with regulatory standards (BRC, FDA, HACCP, SEDEX) – jointly responsible, though not functionally managing Technical/Quality.
• Lead capex execution and preventive maintenance programs.
• Drive people development, safety culture, and SOP adoption across shop floor operations.
• Collaborate closely with the Technical/NPD leadership for cross-functional coordination and plant performance.
• Chair operational review meetings; participate in compliance and hygiene governance forums.

Reporting Structure

• Not Reporting To VP – Ops:

  Technical, Quality, and NPD teams will continue to report to the long-serving Director (India) who also manages New Product Development.

• Still Accountable:

  The VP – Operations is accountable for delivering production output that meets the agreed quality, hygiene, and safety parameters in coordination with the Technical/NPD Head.
• This role requires high collaboration and mutual accountability rather than hierarchical control over Technical and NPD functions.

c. Success Metrics

• Achievement of daily/weekly/monthly production and supply chain KPIs
• Reduction in wastage, labour cost per unit, downtime, and supply chain inefficiencies
• Joint accountability for regulatory compliance and audit readiness (in collaboration with Technical Head)
• Team stability, ownership, and operational skill enhancement
• On-time execution of maintenance and capex projects
• Efficient inventory and material flow management (RM, FG, packaging)
• Improved OTIF performance through robust planning and coordination

3. Candidate Profile

a. Base Criteria

• Education: Degree in Engineering or Food Technology, MBA preferred

• Experience: 15–25 years in food processing; 5+ years leading a 100+ people plant

• Current CTC: INR 35–75 Lakhs

• Location Preference: Gujarat; must relocate to Surat

• Knowledge of Gujarati language will be an added advantage for team and vendor coordination.

b. Position-Specific Criteria

• Proven track record in food manufacturing with export focus

• Strong domain exposure to BRC/FDA/HACCP/SEDEX

• Experience in managing legacy teams and implementing modern systems

c. Psychographic & Culture Fit

• Hands-on, grounded, and decisive leader with strong execution bias
• Can professionalize traditional setups while respecting legacy structures
• Strong cross-functional collaborator — influences without authority
• Communicates effectively across India–UK leadership and cultural contexts
• Balances discipline with empathy; inspires shop floor ownership
• Takes full accountability for plant performance and daily firefighting

a. Target Company Profile

• Mid-size Indian and export-focused food manufacturing companies

• RTE/RTC or condiment producers

• BRC/FDA/HACCP certified facilities