Manufacturing Unit Head - FMCG (15-20 yrs)

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Unit Head is responsible for end-to-end operations of a high-output FMCG plant, ensuring production targets are met with optimal quality, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The role demands strategic leadership, cross-functional coordination, and strong operational discipline to maintain the highest levels of efficiency, safety, and team morale.

Key Responsibilities

1. Plant Management

- Lead the overall functioning of the plant including operations, maintenance, compliance, and administration.

- Drive the implementation of manufacturing best practices including TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S.

- Ensure adherence to company policies, safety norms, and statutory guidelines (e.g., Factories Act, EHS).

- Monitor daily KPIs and performance dashboards to ensure timely and accurate production.

- Serve as the key liaison for local authorities, vendors, and corporate functions.

2. Production and Quality Management

- Plan and execute production schedules in alignment with demand forecasts and market requirements.

- Ensure strict compliance with product quality standards and regulatory requirements (FSSAI, GMP, HACCP, etc.).

- Coordinate with R&D and Quality teams to manage NPD trials, process optimizations, and quality audits.

- Drive initiatives to minimize rejection, rework, and customer complaints through robust quality systems.

3. Cost Management

- Own the plants operating budget including raw material utilization, energy, labor, and maintenance costs.

- Identify opportunities for cost savings through process improvement, automation, and vendor negotiations.

- Track and improve key cost metrics like cost/kg, line efficiency, waste %, and overtime %.

- Implement and monitor productivity improvement initiatives in line with business goals.

4. Logistics Management

- Oversee inbound logistics of raw and packaging materials to ensure zero stock-outs and production continuity.

- Coordinate with the supply chain team for timely dispatches and outbound logistics.

- Ensure optimal inventory levels (RM/PM/FG) and warehouse management practices.

- Partner with procurement and logistics teams to streamline lead times, reduce freight costs, and improve service levels.

5. People Management

- Lead a diverse team including production, engineering, QA, safety, HR, and support staff.

- Build a high-performance culture through clear KRAs, performance reviews, and capability development.

- Resolve team issues proactively and ensure adherence to labor laws and company policies.

- Promote employee engagement, training, and safety awareness across the plant workforce.

- Coach and mentor plant leadership team and build succession pipelines for critical roles.

Qualifications & Experience

- B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Production Engineering.

- 1520 years of experience in FMCG or related high-speed manufacturing environments.

- Proven experience in leading large plants or multiple units with a track record of operational excellence.

- Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, safety standards, and statutory compliance.

- Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and manage complex stakeholder networks.

Key Competencies

- Strategic & Operational Planning

- Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving

- Leadership & Team Building

- Cost & Efficiency Orientation

- Communication & Stakeholder Management

- Process Discipline and Continuous Improvement Mindset