Senior Manager — Factory Operations
Job Description & Interview Evaluation Framework
Role
Senior Manager — Factory Operations
Reporting to
Head of Operations / Director
Location
Factory Premises
Employment
Full-time, Permanent
Experience
8–12 years in factory / plant management
JOB DESCRIPTION
About the Role
We are looking for a seasoned Senior Manager to lead factory operations with a dual mandate: stabilise and improve labour relations while consistently meeting production targets. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in industrial relations within an Indian manufacturing context, combined with strong operational discipline on the shopfloor.
Key Responsibilities
A. Labour Relations & Industrial Relations
- Serve as the primary interface between management and the workforce; foster an environment of structured dialogue and mutual respect
- Design and implement a formal grievance redressal mechanism; ensure every complaint is logged, addressed, and closed within defined timelines
- Manage disciplinary proceedings — charge sheets, domestic enquiries, show-cause notices — in compliance with the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 and certified Standing Orders
- Liaise with Works Committee representatives and, where applicable, recognised trade unions on wage revisions, facility issues, and operational changes
- Monitor early warning signals of discontent (absenteeism spikes, go-slow tendencies, informal groupings) and intervene proactively
- Ensure full statutory compliance: Factories Act 1948, Contract Labour (R&A) Act, ESIC, EPF, Minimum Wages Act, and applicable state labour rules
- Represent the organisation before Labour Inspectors, Conciliation Officers, and Labour Courts when required
B. Production & Operations Management
- Own daily, weekly, and monthly production targets; drive OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) improvement across shifts
- Plan and optimise shift schedules, manpower allocation, and contract labour deployment in line with production volumes
- Coordinate with the maintenance team on planned preventive maintenance to minimise unplanned downtime
- Monitor raw material consumption, yield, and wastage; escalate deviations to relevant departments
- Prepare and submit daily MIS reports on output, workforce attendance, idle time, and exceptions
- Identify and implement lean / waste-reduction initiatives on the shopfloor
C. Workforce Development & Culture
- Conduct structured inductions for new joiners; ensure they understand production SOPs, safety norms, and conduct rules
- Design and execute shopfloor skill-mapping and upskilling programmes in coordination with the HR team
- Build and maintain a fair, consistent performance feedback culture on the floor — recognising good performers and addressing underperformance early
- Champion safety culture: near-miss reporting, PPE compliance, accident investigation, and CAPA implementation
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS & PROFILE
Educational Qualifications
- B.E. / B.Tech in Mechanical, Industrial, or Production Engineering — OR — MBA / PGDM in Operations / HR from a recognised Indian university
- Diploma or certification in Industrial Relations or Labour Law (preferred; e.g. XLRI PGCIR, NMIMS IR programmes)
- Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt or above
- NEBOSH / IOSH safety certification is an advantage
Work Experience
Mandatory
- 8–12 years in factory / plant management roles; minimum 3 years in a senior supervisory capacity
- Direct, hands-on experience managing a workforce of 100+ workers — unionised or high-turnover environments strongly preferred
- Demonstrated track record of independently resolving labour disputes without escalation to strikes or work stoppages
- Personal experience navigating conciliation proceedings before a Labour Conciliation Officer or Labour Court
Preferred
- Prior experience in FMCG, auto-ancillary, packaging, textiles, consumer goods, or similar process manufacturing
- Managed contract labour under the Contract Labour (R&A) Act — including principal employer compliance
- Experience designing and implementing productivity-linked incentive / wage structures
- Exposure to multi-shift or 24x7 plant operations
How to Apply:
Interested candidates can send their resumes to 7303084408
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fresher
Pay: ₹40,000.00 - ₹100,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person
