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. 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.

Requirements

• Leadership
• Team Development
• Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering
• Master’s degree preferred
• 15–25 years of experience in polymer manufacturing
• 7+ years in senior operations leadership

Preferred Technologies

• Leadership
• Team Development
• Communication
• Stakeholder Management
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making