Refinery Manager

AWL Agri Business Ltd; Vidisha; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 4,600,000; Full time

Job summary

AWL Agri Business Ltd is seeking a seasoned Operations Leader to manage edible oil refining, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-conscious production aligned with quality standards.

You will oversee Degumming to Packing, drive productivity, monitor KPIs, and lead maintenance, EHS compliance, and cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives across palm, soybean, and other oils. The role requires strategic planning and budget control to maximize yield and minimize losses.

Qualifications

• 15-20 years of experience in edible oil refining or related food oil sectors.
• Expertise in palm, soybean, sunflower, rice bran oil processing is preferred.
• Proven track record in achieving production targets and cost control.
• Strong leadership and cross-functional coordination abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end refinery operations including Degumming, Neutralization, Bleaching, Deodorization, Winterization, and Packing.
• Drive throughput, yield optimization, and asset utilization while controlling costs.
• Ensure compliance with FSSAI, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, and customer quality standards.
• Coordinate maintenance for preventive and predictive programs to maximize equipment availability.
• Lead cross-functional teams and develop succession plans to build a high-performance culture.
• Collaborate with procurement, planning, logistics, and sales to ensure material availability and alignment with demand.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Process optimization

Quality management

Food safety

Engineering coordination

Cost control

Team leadership

Supply chain coordination

EHS compliance

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Oil Technology, Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

MBA/PG Diploma in Operations Management (advantage)

Job description

Role Purpose

Lead and manage the complete edible oil refining operations to ensure safe, efficient, cost-effective, and quality-driven production while achieving business, operational, and compliance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Management

• Oversee end-to-end refinery operations including Degumming, Neutralization, Bleaching, Deodorization, Winterization, and Packing.
• Ensure achievement of production targets, yield optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor refinery KPIs such as throughput, oil losses, energy consumption, and plant utilization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maximize productivity and cost savings.

Process Excellence

• Optimize refining processes to improve product quality and reduce processing losses.
• Implement best manufacturing practices and process controls.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for process deviations.

Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with FSSAI, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, and customer quality standards.
• Maintain product specifications and food safety requirements.
• Lead audits and corrective action programs.

Engineering & Maintenance

• Coordinate with maintenance teams for preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Ensure high equipment availability and reliability.
• Lead capacity expansion, debottlenecking, and modernization projects.

Cost Management

• Manage refinery operating budgets and manufacturing costs.
• Control utilities consumption including steam, power, water, and fuel.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities.

EHS (Environment, Health & Safety)

• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and statutory regulations.
• Promote a zero-accident culture across the refinery.
• Monitor waste management and sustainability initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead production, process, quality, engineering, and utility teams.
• Develop succession plans and training programs for plant personnel.
• Foster a high-performance and accountable work culture.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate with procurement, planning, logistics, and sales teams.
• Ensure smooth availability of crude oil, chemicals, consumables, and packaging materials.
• Support production planning based on market demand.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production Volume Achievement
• Refinery Yield & Recovery
• Oil Loss Reduction
• OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
• Manufacturing Cost per MT
• Energy Consumption per MT
• Product Quality Compliance
• Safety Performance (LTIFR, Near Misses)
• Plant Utilization

Qualification

• B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Oil Technology, Food Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• MBA/PG Diploma in Operations Management will be added advantage.

Experience

• 15-20 years in edible oil refining, foods, or vegetable oil manufacturing.
• Experience in palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, rice bran oil, and specialty fats processing preferred.