Head - Manufacturing

Head Manufacturing

Location - Chennai

A leading, diversified organization in the sugar and biofuel sector is seeking a seasoned manufacturing leader to head integrated operations across multiple plants. This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and carries enterprise-wide responsibility for operational performance, manufacturing strategy, and plant excellence.

The mandate is to strengthen manufacturing capability, enhance operational efficiency, and drive sustainable growth across a complex, multi-site footprint.

Responsibilities:

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• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple integrated manufacturing units
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• Drive improvements in throughput, recovery, cost structure, and asset utilization
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• Ensure best-in-class standards in safety, statutory compliance, environmental stewardship, and quality
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• Lead and develop plant leadership teams, building a high-performance manufacturing culture
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• Oversee annual operating plans, manufacturing budgets, and capital investment programs
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• Institutionalize KPI-driven performance management systems
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• Champion modernization initiatives including automation, digitization, and process optimization
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• Collaborate closely with cross-functional leadership including finance, supply chain, HR, and commercial functions
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The Ideal Candidate

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• Demonstrated success in leading multi-plant manufacturing operations within the sugar and biofuel industry
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• Strong techno-commercial orientation with hands-on operational depth
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• Deep understanding of sugar processing, co-generation, and distillery operations
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• Proven ability to manage scale, complexity, and diverse teams
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• Track record of driving transformation, performance improvement, and cost leadership
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Background & Experience

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• Engineering graduate (Mechanical or Chemical preferred); advanced management qualification desirable
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• Approximately 18 22 years of experience, including 3 5 years in a multi-plant leadership role
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• Experience managing sizable operations with significant turnover and operational complexity
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• Leadership maturity typically aligned with professionals in their mid-career executive phase
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