The General Manager – Operational Excellence & Plant Head is responsible for leading the overall operations of the API manufacturing facility while driving continuous improvement initiatives to achieve world-class operational performance. The role ensures safe, compliant, cost-effective, and efficient manufacturing operations that meet quality, regulatory, customer, and business objectives. Key Responsibilities Plant Leadership Lead end-to-end plant operations including Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, EHS, and Utilities. Develop and execute annual operational plans aligned with business objectives. Drive productivity, capacity utilization, and operational excellence across the facility. Ensure uninterrupted manufacturing operations with optimum resource utilization. Operational Excellence Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, Kaizen, 5S, and Visual Management initiatives. Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, cycle time, and productivity. Eliminate process losses through continuous improvement projects. Lead Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process optimization initiatives. Establish KPI dashboards and performance review mechanisms. Manufacturing Operations Ensure production targets are achieved with optimum quality and cost. Improve batch cycle time and manufacturing efficiency. Drive reduction in deviations, rework, and process variability. Optimize manpower and equipment utilization. Quality & Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with cGMP, ICH, US FDA, EU GMP, MHRA, WHO GMP, and other applicable regulatory requirements. Support successful customer and regulatory audits. Drive data integrity and quality culture across the organization. Ensure CAPA implementation and effectiveness. Engineering & Maintenance Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance programs. Improve equipment reliability and plant uptime. Lead automation and digitalization initiatives. Oversee utility systems for reliable plant operation. Environment, Health & Safety Build a strong safety culture with zero-harm objectives. Ensure compliance with environmental, occupational health, and safety regulations. Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation plans. Lead emergency preparedness and incident investigations. Supply Chain & Inventory Coordinate with Planning, Procurement, and Warehouse teams. Optimize inventory levels and material availability. Improve OTIF (On-Time In-Full) performance. Financial Management Prepare and manage plant budgets. Control manufacturing costs and improve EBITDA through operational efficiencies. Monitor cost-saving initiatives and productivity improvements. Ensure optimum utilization of plant assets. People Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop departmental heads and cross-functional teams. Build a high-performance and accountability-driven culture. Drive employee engagement, capability development, and succession planning. Foster collaboration and continuous learning. Stakeholder Management Collaborate with Corporate Functions, R&D, QA, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams. Build strong relationships with customers, auditors, regulatory authorities, and key vendors.
