Unit Head

Somu Group; Maluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Somu Group in Malur, Karnataka, seeks a seasoned Unit Head to lead Factory Operations in a chemical manufacturing setting. You will oversee production, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, while driving strategic plans and cost control.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, a PhD or Master’s in Chemistry or MTech Chemical Engineering, and proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, optimize processes, and achieve KPIs.

Qualifications

• PhD or Masters in Chemistry or related field is required.
• MTech in Chemical Engineering is preferred.
• Postgraduate qualification in Operations Management or Business Administration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day factory operations and production planning.
• Monitor production efficiency and capacity utilization to meet targets.
• Drive quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across departments.
• Lead and develop Factory Managers, Production, Maintenance, QC, Stores, and Administration teams.
• Coordinate with HR on manpower planning, training and engagement.
• Manage maintenance and asset performance to ensure reliable plant operations.
• Monitor costs and waste, review KPIs, and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Lead internal audits and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Operational leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Team leadership

Decision making

Communication

Risk management

Education

PhD or Masters in Chemistry or related

MTech Chemical Engineering

Operations Management / Business Administration (PG)

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Unit head Factory Operations

Department: Factory Operations / Manufacturing
Designation: Unit head
Location: Malur, Karnataka
Reporting To: Chairman and Managing Director / Joint Managing Director
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing

1. Job Purpose

To lead and oversee overall factory operations, ensuring efficient production, quality standards, workplace safety, statutory compliance, cost control, and achievement of organizational objectives.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Production & Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day factory operations and ensure smooth production activities.
• Develop production plans to meet business targets and customer requirements.
• Monitor production efficiency, capacity utilization, and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and minimize operational losses.

B. Quality Management

• Ensure adherence to quality standards, approved procedures, and customer specifications.
• Coordinate with Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), and Production teams.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to reduce defects and process deviations.

C. Safety, Health & Environment

• Ensure compliance with applicable industrial safety, environmental, and chemical-handling requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Monitor hazardous chemical storage, handling, waste management, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure timely closure of safety incidents and audit observations.

D. Regulatory & Statutory Compliance

• Oversee compliance with applicable factory, labour, environmental, and other statutory requirements.
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities and ensure timely completion of inspections and submissions.
• Ensure maintenance of statutory records, licences, permits, and compliance documentation.

E. Team Leadership & Human Resources

• Lead and guide Factory Managers, Production, Maintenance, QC, Stores, and Administration teams.
• Set departmental goals, review employee performance, and develop leadership capabilities.
• Coordinate with HR on manpower planning, recruitment, training, discipline, and employee engagement.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and adherence to company policies.

F. Maintenance & Asset Management

• Ensure preventive and breakdown maintenance of plant machinery and equipment.
• Monitor equipment reliability, downtime, utilities, and maintenance costs.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance team to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

G. Cost Control & Business Performance

• Prepare and monitor factory operating budgets.
• Control production costs, raw material consumption, energy usage, and wastage.
• Review operational KPIs and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Submit periodic factory performance reports to senior management.

H. Continuous Improvement

• Implement process improvements and operational best practices.
• Identify risks and opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability.
• Lead internal audits and ensure timely closure of non-conformities.

3. Educational Qualifications

• PhD, Masters in Chemistry or above, MTech Chemical Engineering or above.
• Postgraduate qualification in Operations Management or Business Administration is preferred.

4. Experience

• 10 years and above of relevant experience in manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Significant experience in a senior factory leadership or plant management role.
• Experience in Speciality chemicals, Pharma, Agrochemical industry is strongly preferred.

5. Required Skills & Competencies

• Strategic planning and operational leadership.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and factory management.
• Understanding of industrial safety, environmental regulations, and statutory compliance.
• Budgeting, cost control, and performance analysis.
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and risk management.
• Team leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Strong reporting skills.

6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production target achievement.
• Production cost and operational efficiency.
• Product quality and rejection rates.
• Safety performance and statutory compliance.
• Equipment uptime and maintenance effectiveness.
• Waste reduction and resource utilization.
• Employee productivity and departmental performance.

7. Authority & Accountability

• Responsible for overall factory operational performance within approved budgets and delegated authority.
• Authorized to coordinate and direct factory departments in accordance with company policies.
• Accountable for production, quality, safety, compliance, cost management, and achievement of operational targets.