The posting
Job Overview:
Factory Head is responsible for implementing manufacturing strategy and strategic operational goals by overseeing all aspects of a factory operations including; planning, supply chain, scheduling, quality control, safety compliance, manpower management, maintenance, and ensuring efficient production while meeting quality standards and delivery deadlines. He/she will lead teams, manage budgets, and collaborate with other departments to optimize manufacturing processes and achieve organizational goals. Ensure Health, Safety and Environmental issues are prioritised and facilitated, direct and drive implementation of Lean Business strategy and drive continuous Improvement across entire plant operations.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategy and Development:
• Overall responsibility of manufacturing activities across business.
• Create and implement best practice manufacturing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities.
• Take ownership of the manufacturing policy, guidelines and any associated documents.
• Initiate and develop creative and innovative manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process.
2. Production Management:
• Oversee production activities, including scheduling, line balancing, and workflow optimization.
• Monitor production metrics like output, efficiency, scrap rates, and downtime to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Oversee inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to ensure timely production and minimize stockouts.
• Preventive maintenance of equipment and infrastructure to prevent unscheduled downtime.
3. Quality Control:
• Develop and implement quality standards throughout the manufacturing process.
• Implement quality checks and inspections at various stages of production.
• Investigate and address quality issues to maintain product consistency.
4. People Management:
• Provide leadership to departments under control and coach, mentor and develop direct reports and manage a high performing team that delivers continuous improvement, added value and cost reductions.
• Establish strategy and best practices for staff to ensure achievement of overall business objectives. Work with the production team to translate site strategy into specific annual performance goals and departmental objectives including KPIs, and to track them.
• Ensure strong communication between teams under leadership to facilitate exchange of information and in order to implement change and improvements.
• Provide inspiration, leadership, and coaching to the team, ensuring they are trained enabling them to achieve the operational and financial metrics within their areas of responsibility and succeed in their roles.
• Complete regular performance reviews, manage attendance, holidays, disciplinary issues and procedures as appropriate.
• Consistently manages team performance firmly and fairly.
5. Budget and Cost Management:
• Prepare the annual Production budget and forecasts including all capital expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with legal standards.
• Manage the budget from identification to completion of projects
• Monitor and control overall costs, including labor, materials, and overhead expenses.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to optimize resource utilization.
6. Environment & Safety Compliance:
• Review environmental strategies that impact on future ways of operating and ensure implementation where possible.
• Review the use of technological systems that support a more environmentally friendly approach.
• Review opportunities to be as environmentally friendly as possible
• Ensure that the facility operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.
• Oversee safety training programs and promote a safety-first culture.
• Investigate and address safety incidents promptly.
7. Operational Excellence:
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to streamline processes and eliminate waste
• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production targets and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Analyze production and related data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and new technologies.
8. Industrial relations, Administration, Recordkeeping & Compliances:
• Maintain peace and good industrial relations for uninterrupted plant operations.
• Manage over all administration in the factory and implement best practices in security management, housekeeping, employee transportation, pantry and other related operations.
• Management and statutory compliance of unit-related regulatory issues in terms of Factories Act, Provident Fund, Pollution Control Board, other local and civic bodies and other relevant authorities.
• All approvals/renewals should be in place and timely applied for.
• Record keeping of entire operations and compliances.
9. Relationship Management & Cross-functional Collaboration:
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Report on Manufacturing activities on a regular basis to the Senior Management team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of the relevant Key Performance Indicators.
• Communicate with stakeholders the impact of technology change and potential effects on supply. Recommend solutions without compromising quality or service while optimising cost.
• Contribute on new business initiatives and projects, review and communicate the impact on manufacturing activities.
• Work closely with other departments like engineering, quality assurance, procurement, Logistics, HR, Security, Administration, Accounts, other factories and sales to ensure smooth plant operations and best practices.
Required Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Industrial or related field)
• 10 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, at least 3 years should be working as Plant Head/Deputy Plant Head.
• Results orientated with ability to plan and deliver against project deadlines.
• Strong understanding of production processes, lean manufacturing principles, and quality control methodologies.
• Understanding of cost management and budgeting practices.
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving skills to identify and address production issues.
• Resilient, optimistic and open to change.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• An appreciation of and an ability to positively resolve issues arising from different cultures.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software applications like ERP systems.
