The Production Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing the manufacturing processes within the FMCG industry. This position requires a seasoned professional with a minimum of 10 years of experience in production management, ensuring that production targets are met while maintaining high-quality standards. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the entire production process, from planning to execution, ensuring efficiency and compliance with safety regulations. The Production Manager will also work closely with various departments to optimize production workflows and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Production Planning 

• Review Sales Orders / Projections to prepare monthly production plans  
• Identify items that need to be produced as per plan and corresponding RM / PM requirements.  
• Ensure monthly generation of material requirement / shortage plans based on production plan 
• Ensure labour availability for manufacturing and coordinate with logistics teams for despatches to meet customer delivery timelines 

Product Development 

• Provide inputs to CEO and Management team on Preliminary economic analysis during new product development.  
• Outline different requirements on machinery required as per product type to be produced thus outlining the capital requirements.  
• Discuss timings for production, investment needs arising due to production methods to be adopted, production volumes that can be attained through current facilities or future facilities. 
• Outline the production feasibility, the risks and key factors for new product development concepts. 
• Provide inputs to R&D team on Prototype product development where required. 
• Support pre-commercialization plans at the factory - Conduct preliminary production run, analyze test market results and start test or full production. 
• Ensure the timely launch of new products to the Market as per agreement with the business units. 
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Factory Operations  

• Check the availability of RM and PM which can produce the required quantities as per monthly production plan, and arrange for regular transfer of the above material to the production floor 
• Ensure timely setting up of the production line at factories in line with daily production plans. 
• Ensure that goods are produced in accordance with food production standards in coordination with QC and Engineering. 
• Ensure that mixing is done in bulk tanks as per the standard recipe and bill of materials for producing the bulk.  
• Seek approval from Quality Control on each stage of the Production, check deviations noted and take correction measures.  
• Identify the storage conditions and expiries of the bulk mix and take swift action as per defined timelines to transfer to final packaging.  

Managing Food Production Standards  

• Ensure that finished products are consistently manufactured meeting prescribed standards (compliant) with quality, safety, and good manufacturing practices, on time and meeting consumer expectations 
• Focus on material availability, finished goods quality, and on time delivery through optimal resource allocation 
• Ensures employee safety, product quality, hygiene, cost, and environmental needs fully meet all legal and other requirements and standards.  

Production Performance  

• Effectively manage to achieve production plan and to identify and achieve performance improvements 
• Ensure the production plan is fully achieved on time and in full compliance with the sales projections, production capacity, material availability and manpower availability. 
• Review Factory downtimes and propose mitigations.  
• Review poorly produced batches due to supplier issues, production faults and due to quality issues and take preventive measures, assess supplier performances in the supplier evaluation.  
• Measure, monitor and manage material costs of production– including material consumption, wastages and rejections; seek continuous improvement in ensuring material costs are within budgets 
• Manage manpower requirements so that there is an optimum balance between in-house employees and outsourced staff throughout – at varying production levels 

People Management 

• Development of people through being a team builder with ability to recognize and develop the potential of all the production people. 
• Create and maintain a workplace culture in the factory that engages and motivates workers and staff at all levels.  
• Focusing on results through setting ambitious objectives and taking initiative to find ways to reach and exceed them. 
• Motivate, guide, support, and coach the resources to achieve objectives and to act in accordance with the existing guidelines 
• Elaborate and execute workforce development program that will provide appropriate flexibility of workforce and assets.  

Skills

Technical: 

• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Business Management, Food Science, or Organizational Leadership/ Supervision) preferred 
• Work extended days and/or weekends with flexibility to switch shifts as needed 
• Minimum Five (5) years food industry production, purchasing and/or packaging experience with progressive responsibility leading people. Experience in different manufacturing environments.  
• Success leading projects in different departments and functions.  
• Exposure to implementing continuous improvement, employee involvement techniques, and change management.  
• Implementation experience of TPM preferred. 
• Proven Experience in Sauces Manufacturing like Ketchup , Mayonnaise, Chocolat Spread etc ...
• GMP, GHP, 5S, Advance Hygiene Training and HACCP
• Ability to read and write in English

Behavioral: 

• Leadership and problem-solving skills as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills are required. 
• High energy level and excellent follow up skills.  
• Creative problem solving, attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple priorities.  
• Great people skills, maintaining a positive attitude, and the ability to motivate people are needed.