Factory Manager

About the role

The Factory Manager leads end-to-end plant operations so that products are made to specification, delivered on time and within approved cost targets, while maximizing asset utilization, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement. The role covers production, quality, service, productivity and cost targets, and includes leading the annual business plan.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the annual Business Plan aligned with company objectives and priorities.
• Maximize asset utilization, labor productivity, capacity and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, quality, environmental and statutory requirements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, problem-solving and continuous improvement to reduce losses and waste.
• Lead implementation of new equipment, products, processes, projects and capacity expansions, and give input on infrastructure, plant layout and capital investment.
• Ensure finished goods availability in plant warehouses according to production plans and market requirements.
• Assess staffing and competency needs, develop and coach teams and future leaders, and set clear objectives and performance appraisals.
• Review plant performance daily, weekly and monthly, taking timely corrective action and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing or a related field; MBA is an advantage.
• Typically 15+ years of manufacturing experience, including 10+ years in plant or senior operations management.
• Preferred: experience in food manufacturing, poultry, meat processing, frozen foods or FMCG.
• Proven track record in operational excellence, cost optimization, productivity and people leadership.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, food safety, quality and EHS standards.
• Analytical, financial, problem-solving, communication and change-management skills.
• An advantage: experience with ERP systems, manufacturing KPIs and data analytics tools.