General Manager – Operations

About the job

The General Manager – Operations will lead the end-to-end operations of Astra Polymers’ manufacturing plant in Dahej, Gujarat, ensuring world-class production of polymer additives and masterbatch products. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, maintaining strict quality standards, optimizing production efficiencies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and creating a safe, high-performance culture. The GM will act as the strategic and operational leader for the plant. Key Responsibilities A. Plant Operations Management • Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, supply chain, and EHS. • Ensure uninterrupted manufacturing with optimized machine efficiency (twin-screw extruders, compounding lines, mixers, etc.). • Oversee production planning aligned with customer demand and global business priorities. • Maintain strict adherence to daily, weekly, and monthly production KPIs. B. Quality Assurance & Compliance • Ensure compliance with ISO standards, ASTM, and industry-specific quality norms relevant to polymer additives / masterbatch. • Maintain product consistency and quality levels required for domestic and export markets. • Drive reduction of production defects, customer complaints, and batch rejections. C. Safety, Health & Environment (EHS) • Enforce compliance with Gujarat State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) norms and national environmental laws. • Implement global EHS standards including hazard control, waste management, fire safety, and incident investigation. • Promote a safety-first culture across plant operations. D. People Leadership & Development • Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams (100–300 employees depending on plant scale). • Drive a performance-driven culture with clear goals, continuous training, and professional development. • Ensure effective manpower planning, recruitment, and retention. E. Engineering & Maintenance • Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all plant equipment. • Manage plant upgrades, new line installations, capacity expansions, and technology improvements. • Ensure optimal uptime of extruders, feeders, chillers, packaging systems, and utility equipment. F. Supply Chain & Inventory Management • Oversee procurement, vendor management, inbound raw materials (polymers, pigments, additives), and outbound logistics. • Ensure cost-effective sourcing and timely availability of raw materials. • Optimize inventory levels to reduce working capital without impacting production schedules. G. Cost & Budget Management • Drive cost optimization initiatives across energy, manpower, wastage, and logistics. • Prepare and monitor annual plant budgets. • Ensure achievement of plant profitability targets. H. Compliance & Government Liaison • Ensure compliance with labour regulations, factory act, environmental permissions, and state regulations. • Liaise with local authorities, statutory bodies, and industrial development authorities in Gujarat. I. Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement • Lead continuous improvement programs (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma). • Support new product development (NPD) and trials. • Drive automation, digitalization, and process modernization initiatives. 3. Qualifications & Experience Required : • Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering / Polymer Engineering / Mechanical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred. • 15–25 years of experience in polymer manufacturing, chemical processing, or masterbatch production. • Minimum 7+ years in senior operations leadership (Plant Head / GM / Senior Operations Manager). • Strong knowledge of extrusion processes, compounding operations, pigment dispersion, and quality control. • Experience managing operations in Gujarat industrial zones (e.g., Dahej, Sanand, Bharuch, Vapi, Vadodara) is an advantage. Desired : • Exposure to Middle East or global polymer manufacturing standards (preferred due to Astra Polymers’ international presence). • Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, or EHS programs. • Person has exposure of working in SEZ (Special Economic Zone) is preferable. • Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred). 4. Key Skills & Competencies • Strong leadership and team development skills • Excellent communication and stakeholder management • Deep understanding of polymer chemistry and processing • Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities • High level of integrity and accountability • Ability to thrive in dynamic, growth-oriented environments

Requirements

• Leadership
• Team Development
• Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
• Master’s degree preferred

Preferred Technologies

• Leadership
• Team Development
• Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making

About the company

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