Head of Operations | Chemical Industry | Gujarat

Gujarat Permanent INR12,000,000 - INR14,000,000 per year View Job Description
The Head of Operations will lead end-to-end plant operations in a high-performance specialty chemicals environment, driving production goals, efficiency, safety, quality, and cost objectives. The role requires a technically strong, results-oriented leader with proven expertise in batch manufacturing, solvent recovery, compliance-driven processes, and multi-step reaction management.
  • Candidates with experience of working in Multi Product Plant
  • Candidates with Chemical Engineering with experience of managing multiple sites

About Our Client

The organization is one of the fastest growing specialty chemicals company in India. They are looking to grow 2x in next 2 years period and have seen 30% growth YoY. They are looking to hire a Head of Operations for leading 5 manufacturing sites and the role will report to the Director.

Job Description

The role will report to the Director. Below are key responsibilities:

  • Lead all plant functions including Production, Utilities, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, QC, and Warehousing with focus on multi-stage batch processes, output realization, efficiency, reproducibility, and ensuring plant uptime through proactive maintenance.
  • Approve and drive material/energy balance, batch economics, troubleshooting of deviations, and optimization of solvent recovery units, scrubbers, and reboiler operations to maximize yield and minimize losses.
  • Build a zero-incident culture, ensure safe handling of hazardous materials, enforce PPE and engineering controls, and maintain compliance with CPCB, GPCB, OSHA, ISO 14001, and other regulatory standards.
  • Ensure adherence to ISO 9001, GMP, REACH, and client-specific protocols, approve accurate documentation, and lead readiness for customer, statutory, and third-party audits.
  • Collaborate with R&D and Tech Transfer teams to scale up pilot batches to commercial level, validating processes, safety parameters, and cycle times for new molecules.
  • Enhance profitability by improving yields, optimizing utilities, reducing reworks/off-spec production, standardizing batches, and implementing KPIs for continuous performance monitoring.
  • Lead, mentor, and upskill teams across functions while deploying Lean, TPM, Kaizen, and 5S practices, implementing digital tools such as MES and OEE dashboards, and benchmarking performance against industry best practices.



The Successful Applicant

A successful Head of Operations should have:

  • A degree in Chemical Engineering; M.E./M.Tech or MBA (Operations/Industrial Management) is desirable.
  • Minimum 15 years of plant experience with at least 8 years in senior plant leadership role in specialty
  • chemicals, intermediates, or performance chemicals manufacturing.
  • Proficiency in SAP modules (Production, Quality, Maintenance, Inventory) with high attention to process discipline, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.
  • Strong leadership, analytical, decision-making, and communication skills to effectively manage teams and collaborate across functions and external stakeholders.
  • Track record of driving plant performance through key KPIs including batch yield vs. standard, on-time batch completion, solvent recovery efficiency, OEE, downtime (planned vs. unplanned), and safety metrics.
  • Commitment to building a safety-first culture while ensuring operational excellence, continuous improvement, and minimal customer rejections/returns.
  • Proven expertise in multi-product batch manufacturing with strong knowledge of reaction kinetics, process safety, material compatibility, and hands-on exposure to utility systems such as chillers, boilers, scrubbers, ETP, and solvent recovery.

What's on Offer

  • Leadership opportunity with one of the leading companies in the sector with opportunity to grow into a CXO level role
  • Lead customer site visits; integrate operations for newly acquired domestic and overseas facilities.
Quote job ref
JN-082025-6823414

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Sub Sector
Manufacturing operations
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Gujarat
Job Type
Permanent
Job Reference
JN-082025-6823414

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.