Head of Operations

Archroma, Packaging Technologies Business are looking for an Operations Head, who will play a critical leadership role in the establishment and operation of a new Emulsions manufacturing facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. During the project phase, the incumbent will lead operational readiness activities, including organization design, manpower planning, systems implementation, manufacturing processes, EHS, quality, maintenance, and supply chain setup. Following commissioning, the role will assume full responsibility for plant operations, driving safety, quality, productivity, customer service, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Plant Setup Phase

- Participate in plant design reviews to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and future scalability.
- Develop the plant organization structure, workforce plan, and recruitment strategy.
- Establish operational procedures, work instructions, and governance mechanisms.
- Define manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse, logistics, quality, and EHS processes.
- Support equipment installation, commissioning, qualification, and start-up activities.
- Implement ERP, operational reporting, and performance management systems.
- Develop operating and maintenance budgets for plant start-up.

Operational Leadership

- Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations of the emulsions plant.
- Ensure achievement of production, quality, cost, delivery, and safety targets.
- Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor KPIs related to productivity, OEE, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, environmental, and corporate requirements.

EHS & Quality

- Champion a zero-harm safety culture.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability objectives.
- Partner with Quality to maintain robust product and process standards.

People Leadership

- Build and lead a high-performing operations team.
- Develop succession planning and capability-building initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
- Master's degree or MBA preferred.

Experience

- 15+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in:
- Emulsions
- Specialty Chemicals
- Adhesives
- Coatings
- Polymers or related process industries
- Experience leading plant operations and manufacturing teams.
- Prior greenfield project, commissioning, or plant set-up experience strongly preferred.