Head - ManufacturingLocation - ChennaiA 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:
Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple integrated manufacturing units
Drive improvements in throughput, recovery, cost structure, and asset utilization
Ensure best-in-class standards in safety, statutory compliance, environmental stewardship, and quality
Lead and develop plant leadership teams, building a high-performance manufacturing culture
Oversee annual operating plans, manufacturing budgets, and capital investment programs
Institutionalize KPI-driven performance management systems
Champion modernization initiatives including automation, digitization, and process optimization
Collaborate closely with cross-functional leadership including finance, supply chain, HR, and commercial functions
The Ideal Candidate
Demonstrated success in leading multi-plant manufacturing operations within the sugar and biofuel industry
Strong techno-commercial orientation with hands-on operational depth
Deep understanding of sugar processing, co-generation, and distillery operations
Proven ability to manage scale, complexity, and diverse teams
Track record of driving transformation, performance improvement, and cost leadership
Background & Experience
Engineering graduate (Mechanical or Chemical preferred); advanced management qualification desirable
Approximately 18-22 years of experience, including 3-5 years in a multi-plant leadership role
Experience managing sizable operations with significant turnover and operational complexity
Leadership maturity typically aligned with professionals in their mid-career executive phase
Skillsoperational leadership, Sugar, cost leadership, Performance Improvement, automation, Process Optimization