Head of Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Head of Operations will be responsible for providing strategic and hands-on leadership across the company's manufacturing and operational functions. The role will oversee Production, Supply Chain & Planning, Quality Assurance, Engineering & Maintenance, HSE, Warehouse, Logistics, and Facilities.

The successful candidate will ensure operational excellence, efficient use of resources, quality and safety compliance, cost optimization, customer satisfaction, and sustainable business growth.

The role will serve as the central coordination point between Operations and key support functions, ensuring proper alignment between demand, production capacity, inventory, procurement, quality standards, and overall business objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Operational Leadership

• Lead all manufacturing and operational activities to achieve production, quality, cost, safety, and service objectives.
• Ensure optimal utilization of people, plant assets, materials, and production capacity.
• Drive productivity, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure operational processes are executed efficiently and in line with business objectives.

2. Production Planning & Supply Chain

• Lead production planning, inventory management, and overall supply chain coordination.
• Coordinate the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
• Align demand forecasts, production capacity, inventory, procurement, and supply requirements.
• Ensure timely availability of raw materials and finished goods to meet customer requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels and identify potential supply or production constraints.

3. Quality, Engineering & HSE

• Ensure equipment reliability through effective maintenance programs.
• Drive compliance with quality, regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Promote a strong culture of zero harm, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and HSE teams to minimize operational risks and downtime.

4. Performance Management & Operational Governance

• Lead daily Operations Review Meetings to monitor production, safety, quality, maintenance, inventory, customer service, and operational risks.
• Chair weekly Operations Performance Review Meetings and ensure timely resolution of bottlenecks.
• Facilitate Demand & Supply Review meetings.
• Lead the monthly S&OP process.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance reports.
• Ensure timely closure of actions arising from operational reviews, audits, S&OP meetings, and management reviews.
• Prepare and present operational performance reports and recommendations to the General Manager and Executive Management.

5. Cost & Business Performance

• Manage operational budgets and drive cost optimization initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Optimize asset utilization and production resources.
• Support the achievement of plant profitability and overall business objectives.

6. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and development for operational teams.
• Build and maintain a high-performance culture focused on accountability and results.
• Foster effective collaboration between Operations, Sales, Finance, Procurement, HR, and other support functions.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

7. Facilities & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee the management, maintenance, and continuous improvement of plant facilities, utilities, buildings, and infrastructure.
• Ensure the availability and reliability of critical utilities including power, water, and waste management systems.
• Ensure facilities comply with quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate facility improvement, refurbishment, and capital infrastructure projects.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient working environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Chemistry, or a related field.
• MBA or Master's Degree is an added advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, APICS/CSCP, NEBOSH, etc. are desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years' manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a senior operations leadership position.
• Proven experience managing multi-functional manufacturing operations.
• Experience within FMCG, manufacturing, chemical, or industrial operations is strongly preferred.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Manufacturing Operations Management
• Production Planning & Inventory Management
• S&OP Leadership
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Supply Chain Management
• Budgeting & Cost Optimization
• Leadership & People Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Operational Analytics
• ERP Systems
• SAP / Odoo / Power BI experience is an advantage

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The successful candidate will be assessed against key operational and business performance indicators, including:

Operational Performance

• Production Target Achievement
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Capacity Utilization
• Production Schedule Adherence
• Production Yield
• Material Yield Variance
• Waste/Scrap Rate
• Rework Rate
• Facility Uptime
• Facility Audit Compliance
• Maintenance SLA Compliance

Supply Chain & Customer Service

• OTIF (On-Time-In-Full Delivery)
• Forecast Accuracy
• Inventory Turnover