Job Title

Job DescriptionPlant Manager – Dairy IndustryPosition Title: Plant Manager Industry: Dairy / Food Processing Location: Singavaram Reports To: Vice President – Operations / Head – Manufacturing Experience: 10–15 Years Qualification: B.E / B.Tech ( Food Technology/ Dairy Technology)1. Role PurposeThe Plant Manager is responsible for overall leadership, performance, and statutory compliance of the dairy manufacturing plant. The role ensures safe, efficient, cost-effective, and quality-driven operations while achieving business KPIs related to production, yield, cost, energy, safety, people development, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager acts as the single-point owner of plant performance and governance.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Overall Plant Operations & GovernanceLead end-to-end plant operations including milk procurement interface, processing, packaging, utilities, maintenance, quality, stores, logistics, and dispatch.Ensure uninterrupted production while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.Drive plant performance in line with annual business plans, budgets, and strategic objectives.Act as the custodian of plant discipline, culture, and operational rigor.B. Dairy Processing & Production ExcellenceOversee all dairy processing operations including: Milk Reception, Pasteurization, Homogenization, SeparationEvaporators, High-Pressure Pumps, CIP SystemsPackaging & Filling LinesEnsure optimal capacity utilization, yield maximization, and loss reduction.Review production planning, execution, and dispatch adherence on a daily basis.Lead root cause analysis for deviations in output, quality, or efficiencies.C. Utilities, Engineering & Asset ManagementTake full ownership of utilities including: Boilers & Steam SystemsRefrigeration (Ammonia & Freon)DG Sets, Electrical Systems, VAMCompressed Air, RO/UF, ETP/STP & water managementEnsure high equipment availability through robust preventive, predictive, and reliability maintenance systems.Approve maintenance strategies, spares planning, shutdown management, and asset life-cycle optimization.D. Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure 100% compliance with: FSSAI, HACCP, GMP, ISO, FSSC 22000Factory Act, Boiler Act, Electrical Safety normsPollution Control Board and environmental regulationsPromote a strong food safety culture across the plant.Drive reduction of customer complaints and ensure product consistency and traceability.E. Operational Excellence & KPI OwnershipOwn and review plant KPIs including: OEE, Line Efficiency, Yield, WastageEnergy & Water ConsumptionPlant Downtime, Safety Metrics, Customer ComplaintsImplement Lean Manufacturing, TPM, WCM, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.Sponsor automation, digitization, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.Use data-driven decision-making to improve plant performance.F. Budgeting, Cost Control & Energy ManagementPrepare and manage annual plant budgets and forecasts.Control operating costs related to utilities, manpower, spares, packaging, and consumables.Drive energy-saving and sustainability initiatives to meet corporate benchmarks.Improve profitability through productivity and efficiency improvement projects.G. People Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead and develop a multi-disciplinary team of 100–300 employees.Build strong succession planning for critical plant roles.Conduct performance reviews, capability development, and leadership coaching.Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.Ensure harmonious industrial relations and disciplined workforce behavior.H. Government Liaison & Statutory InterfaceServe as the primary point of contact with: Factory InspectorateBoiler DirectorateElectrical InspectorPollution Control BoardLocal authorities and auditorsEnsure timely renewals, audits, inspections, and statutory reporting.Zero tolerance for legal or safety non-compliance.I. Projects, CapEx & ExpansionLead CapEx planning and execution for: New processing or packaging linesCapacity expansion and layout optimizationAutomation and digital transformation projectsOversee equipment selection, installation, commissioning, and stabilization.Evaluate new technologies including AI/ML for predictive maintenance and energy optimization.3. Mandatory SkillsEnd-to-End Dairy Plant ManagementDairy Processing & Utilities ExpertiseStrong Knowledge of Food Safety & ComplianceBudgeting, Cost & Energy ManagementKPI Ownership & Lean / TPM ImplementationGovernment Liaison & Statutory ComplianceStrong People Leadership & IR Management4. Preferred CertificationsTPM / WCM ExpertSix Sigma (Green / Black Belt)Certified Energy Manager / Energy AuditorHACCP / FSSC 22000 Lead AuditorRCA / Predictive Maintenance Tools5. Competencies RequiredStrategic & Systems ThinkingStrong Leadership & Decision-MakingHigh Ownership & AccountabilityAnalytical & Problem-Solving AbilityExcellent Communication & Stakeholder ManagementChange Management & Execution Excellence