Position Objective:

To lead and manage the overall operations of the Ethyl Acetate manufacturing plant at Gopalganj, Bihar, ensuring safe, efficient, reliable and cost-effective production in accordance with approved production plans, product quality standards, environmental requirements and statutory regulations. The role is responsible for production, process optimization, engineering and maintenance coordination, utilities, quality assurance, manpower management, cost control, EHS compliance and overall plant performance, and reports to the Director / Senior Management.

Role & responsibilities:

A. Plant Operations and Production Management

- Oversee the complete manufacturing operations of the Ethyl Acetate plant, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted production.
- Develop and implement production plans in line with sales forecasts, customer requirements and approved business targets.
- Ensure optimum utilization of plant capacity, equipment, manpower, raw materials and utilities.
- Monitor production output, plant efficiency, yield, cycle time, process losses and overall equipment effectiveness.
- Ensure adherence to approved SOPs, operating parameters and process control protocols.
- Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective measures to improve productivity and operational reliability.
- Coordinate with relevant teams for raw material availability, finished goods planning and dispatch schedules.

B. Process Control and Technical Excellence

- Ensure effective control of the Ethyl Acetate manufacturing process, including reaction, separation, distillation, purification, recovery and associated operations, as applicable to the plant's technology.
- Monitor critical process parameters to maintain consistent product quality and production efficiency.
- Drive process optimization, yield improvement, energy conservation and reduction of material losses.
- Work closely with the Process, Production and Quality teams to resolve technical issues and improve manufacturing performance.
- Evaluate process deviations, conduct root cause analysis and implement preventive and corrective actions.
- Maintain process documentation, operating records, production reports and technical performance data.

C. Engineering, Maintenance and Utilities

- Coordinate with Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation and Utilities teams to ensure plant reliability and equipment availability.
- Ensure implementation of preventive, predictive and breakdown maintenance programmes.
- Monitor the performance of critical equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, pumps, storage tanks and associated process systems.
- Minimize unplanned shutdowns and ensure timely resolution of equipment failures.
- Ensure reliable operation of utilities such as steam, cooling water, power, compressed air and other plant services.
- Plan and monitor annual maintenance shutdowns, equipment inspections and major repair activities.
- Ensure adequate availability of critical spare parts and maintenance resources.

D. Quality Assurance and Product Compliance

- Ensure that Ethyl Acetate production meets approved product specifications and customer quality requirements.




- Coordinate with the Quality Control and Laboratory teams for testing of raw materials, in-process samples and finished products.
- Ensure proper control of product purity, moisture content, acidity and other relevant quality parameters as per applicable specifications.
- Investigate customer complaints, product rejections and quality deviations, and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure proper storage, handling, sampling and release of finished products.
- Maintain complete quality records, batch documentation and traceability wherever applicable.

E. Safety, Health and Environment (EHS)

- Establish and maintain a robust safety culture throughout the plant.
- Ensure protected handling, storage and transfer of Ethyl Acetate, ethanol, acetic acid and other hazardous or flammable materials used in the manufacturing process.
- Ensure compliance with fire safety standards, industrial safety procedures, permit-to-work systems, lockout/tagout (LOTO) and emergency response protocols.
- Ensure proper functioning and readiness of fire protection systems, gas detection systems, ventilation and other safety equipment.
- Conduct regular safety inspections, risk assessments, toolbox talks and emergency mock drills.
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental standards, including effluent treatment, emissions, waste management and pollution control requirements.
- Investigate accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions and ensure implementation of preventive measures.
- Promote safe working practices among employees, contractors and visitors.

F. Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

- Ensure compliance with applicable factory, labour, environmental, fire, electrical, hazardous chemical storage and industrial safety regulations.
- Coordinate with relevant authorities, inspectors and statutory agencies for plant-related approvals, inspections and compliance matters.
- Ensure timely renewal of licences, permits, consents and other statutory approvals applicable to the plant.
- Maintain statutory registers, inspection records, safety documentation and compliance reports.
- Ensure compliance with applicable pollution control requirements and directions issued by the relevant authorities.

G. Cost Control and Operational Excellence

- Prepare and monitor the plant's annual operating budget in coordination with management and Finance.
- Control manufacturing costs, raw material consumption, energy usage, maintenance expenses and production losses.
- Monitor key operating cost indicators and implement cost-reduction initiatives without compromising safety or product quality.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using tools such as root cause analysis, 5S, Kaizen and other lean manufacturing practices.
- Prepare and review daily,



weekly and monthly operational performance reports.
- Identify opportunities to improve plant capacity utilization, profitability and operational efficiency.

H. Manpower and Team Management

- Lead and supervise the Production, Process, Maintenance, Utilities, Quality and EHS functions in coordination with the respective departmental heads.
- Plan manpower requirements, shift schedules, training programmes and deployment of resources.
- Define departmental responsibilities, performance standards and measurable operational targets.
- Develop a competent second line of leadership and ensure adequate technical training for plant personnel.
- Maintain discipline, accountability, teamwork and effective communication across departments.
- Coordinate with HR for recruitment, employee relations, industrial relations, training and manpower-related matters.

I. Raw Material, Inventory and Finished Goods Management

- Coordinate with Procurement and Stores for the timely availability of raw materials, chemicals, consumables and critical spares.
- Monitor raw material consumption, inventory levels, process losses and material reconciliation.
- Ensure proper storage and handling of raw materials and finished Ethyl Acetate in accordance with safety and quality requirements.
- Coordinate with Commercial, Logistics and Dispatch teams to ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment.
- Minimize inventory losses, wastage, contamination and avoidable storage costs.

J. Reporting and Management Coordination

- Submit daily, weekly and monthly reports covering production, quality, safety, utilities, maintenance, inventory and plant performance.
- Review production plans and operational challenges with the Director and Senior Management.
- Escalate critical breakdowns, safety incidents, process deviations and production risks promptly.
- Present improvement proposals, capital expenditure requirements and operational performance reviews to management.
- Ensure implementation of management decisions, approved capital projects and plant improvement initiatives.

Preferred candidate profile:

- B.E./B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering is preferred. B.E./B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering or another relevant engineering discipline may be considered with substantial experience in chemical process manufacturing.
- A postgraduate qualification in Chemical Engineering, Operations Management or Industrial Management will be an added advantage.
- Minimum 1215 years of relevant experience in chemical process manufacturing, preferably in Ethyl Acetate or a similar solvent/chemical manufacturing industry.
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior plant operations or plant leadership role.
- Proven experience in managing production, process engineering, maintenance, utilities, quality and EHS functions.
- Experience in commissioning, stabilization, capacity expansion or process optimization of chemical manufacturing plants will be preferred.
- Strong understanding of chemical process safety, hazardous chemical handling, plant maintenance and statutory compliance.
- Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and achieving production and cost targets.

📌 Plant Head - Operations (Ethyl Acetate) (Gopalganj)
🏢 YOGINI TRADEX
📍 Gopalganj