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for the role of Head – Engineering (AVP Level) Position Title: Associate Vice President (AVP) – Head of Engineering (API Operations) Department: Engineering, Projects & Operations Location: Ankleshwar & Dahej, Gujarat (3 API Manufacturing Plants) Reporting To: Head – API Manufacturing Operations POSITION OVERVIEW Cadila Pharmaceuticals is seeking a dynamic, result-oriented, and techno-commercial leader to join as AVP – Head of Engineering for our three (3) active API manufacturing facilities located across Ankleshwar and Dahej. Reporting directly to the Head - API Manufacturing Operations, the candidate will lead site engineering operations, maintenance excellence, infrastructure modernization, utility management, and capital project execution (Greenfield & Brownfield). The role demands deep technical mastery in Mechanical/MEP engineering, regulatory compliance (USFDA, PMDA, EU-GMP), and a proven track record in First Time Right (FTR) execution, zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, and cost-optimization strategies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1.

Engineering

Operations & Maintenance Excellence Direct and oversee all plant engineering, facility maintenance, and utility operations across all 3 API manufacturing plants in Ankleshwar and Dahej. Implement robust Predictive, Preventive, and Autonomous Maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and maximize operational equipment effectiveness (OEE). Lead HVAC, cleanroom, chilled water, steam distribution, electrical, power, compressed air, and nitrogen utility networks for continuous bulk API/intermediate manufacturing.

Drive reliability engineering and root cause analysis (RCA) on breakdown trends to optimize lifecycle asset performance. 2.

Brownfield

Expansion & Capital Project Execution Lead the engineering,



concept-to-commissioning, design optimization, and commercial execution of major Capital Projects (Greenfield & Brownfield expansions) across the sites. Direct end-to-end site development, civil/steel structure works, MEP integration, equipment installations, solvent recovery units, tank farms, and ETP/STP units. Establish tight project controls around cost, time schedules (MSP, Smartsheet), scope, quality, and risk management.

- Sustainability, EHS, & Regulatory Compliances Drive sustainability initiatives focused on energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) processes, and solvent recovery/waste recycling. Ensure strict operational compliance with statutory bodies (GPCB/CPCB, CIF, Electricity Boards, IHS) and oversee CTE/CTO regulatory renewals. Maintain standard audit-readiness for major global regulatory authorities (USFDA, EDQM, Cleanroom guidelines) and uphold safety standards across high-hazard chemical/API operations.
- Techno-Commercial & Vendor Management Oversee procurement strategy for critical engineering equipment, spares management, and contract awards for external project management consultants (PMC), vendors, and EPC contractors. Execute strategic Value Engineering and continuous improvement initiatives to yield direct project and operational cost savings without compromising on quality or safety.




- Team Leadership & Capability Building Direct, mentor, and build high-performing site engineering teams, maintenance staff, and contractor workforces (200+ personnel) across multiple facilities. Implement competency improvement programs, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for outsourced functions, and foster a strong culture of First-Time-Right (FTR) execution.

DESIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) is essential. Master’s Degree / MBA in Project Management or Business Administration is highly preferred.

Professional

Certifications such as PMI Certified Project Manager or accredited Quality/EHS Auditor certifications (e.g., DNV / ISRS) are a strong plus.

Experience: 25+ years of total hands-on experience in Engineering, Projects, and Maintenance Operations within API, Bulk Drugs, Fine Chemicals, or Process Manufacturing industries. 15+ years in senior engineering leadership roles handling multi-site operations, brownfield expansions, utility plants, and high-value project budgets (INR 100–1000+ Cr).

Technical

Skills & Expertise: In-depth expertise in API process equipment (Reactors, Centrifuges, Dryers, Solvent Recovery), ETP/ZLD systems, Tank Farms, High-pressure Steam, and Cleanroom HVAC. Well-versed in PFD, P&ID; review, URS development, BOM, and Technical Specification validation. Strong working exposure to SAP (PM/MM/PP modules) and modern project management tools (MSP, Smartsheet).

Leadership Traits: Solid techno-commercial acumen, cross-functional stakeholder management, excellent statutory navigation skills in Gujarat (Ankleshwar/Dahej regions), and proactive safety-first leadership

📌 Assistant Vice President (Ankleshwar)
🏢 DigiCAD
📍 Ankleshwar