Head Manufacturing

Location - Chennai

A 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
Robust 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 1822 years of experience, including 35 years in a multi-plant leadership role
Experience managing sizable operations with significant turnover and operational complexity
Leadership maturity typically aligned with specialists in their mid-career executive phase

📌 Head Manufacturing Chennai
🏢 Saaki Argus And Averil Consulting
📍 Chennai