Plant Head - Solar Cell Manufacturing

Michael Page; India; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a senior head of operations for a greenfield solar cell manufacturing plant in India. You will own the complete lifecycle from site acquisition to stable commercial operations, defining master plans and leading a multidisciplinary team across engineering, production, quality, EHS and supply chain.

You will drive KPI-driven performance, implement lean/Six Sigma initiatives, and ensure regulatory compliance while managing CAPEX/OPEX and stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in solar cell manufacturing with greenfield project experience.
• Experience with Mono PERC/Topcon cell technology and large-scale project delivery.
• Budgeting, CAPEX/OPEX control, and resource planning experience.
• Leadership of multidisciplinary teams across engineering, production, quality, EHS, maintenance and supply chain.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC standards and EHS regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead greenfield project lifecycle from site acquisition to commercial operations.
• Develop and execute a master plan for solar cell production.
• Direct installation, qualification and ramp-up of manufacturing equipment.
• Recruit and lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Establish, monitor, and optimize KPIs for productivity, yield, cost and quality.
• Drive lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with EHS standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with R&D, suppliers and tech teams for process optimization.
• Oversee budget planning, CAPEX/OPEX control and resource allocation.
• Build relationships with government authorities, vendors and customers.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Engineering mindset

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering

Tools

Project management software

Regulatory compliance systems

Job description

• Head operations for a greenfield Solar Cell manufacturing plant
• Be part of the decision making right from technology selection

About Our Client

Our client is a large organization in the electronics & electrical manufacturing industry, recognized for its advanced manufacturing processes and high-quality products. They are committed to innovation and maintaining high standards in their operations.

Job Description

• Lead the complete lifecycle of Greenfield project execution for a Solar cell manufacturing plant from site acquisition, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, to stable commercial operations.
• Develop and execute a master plan for Solar cell production, aligning with business objectives and industry best practices.
• Direct the installation, qualification, and ramp-up of advanced manufacturing equipment for Solar cell production.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a multidisciplinary team (engineering, production, quality, EHS, maintenance, supply chain, etc.).
• Establish, monitor, and optimize KPIs for productivity, yield, cost, and quality in Solar cell lines.
• Drive continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma initiatives for operational excellence.
• Ensure strict adherence to EHS standards and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout project setup and production phases.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, suppliers, and technology teams for process optimization and new technology introduction.
• Oversee budget planning, CAPEX/OPEX control, and resource allocation for efficient project and plant management.
• Build robust relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government authorities, vendors, and customers.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or equivalent).
• 15+ years of experience in solar cell manufacturing, with significant exposure to Mono PERC/Topcon cell technology and leading Greenfield projects.
• In-depth knowledge of PV cell manufacturing processes, automation, process integration, and quality control.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale Greenfield projects from conceptualization to operational handover.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams, contractors, and stakeholders across multidisciplinary functions.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with international standards (ISO, IEC), regulatory compliance, and EHS systems.
• Experience in budgeting, project management software, and performance monitoring tools.
• Exposure to the latest trends in solar cell automation, AI/ML-based process control, and digital manufacturing.
• Prior experience in ramping up a Greenfield solar project in India or similar markets

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead operations in a greenfield solar cell manufacturing facility.
• Be part of a large organization known for its excellence in the electronics industry.