Head of Production

Production Head - Manufacturing is responsible for leading overall manufacturing operations of the pharmaceutical plant to ensure timely production, compliance with GMP & regulatory standards, cost-efficiency, safety, and quality objectives. The role includes strategic planning, people management, cross-functional coordination, and driving continuous improvement to meet business goals.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Focus on long-term direction, digital innovation, and business alignment.
• Define and execute plant strategy aligned with business objectives, emphasizing efficiency, scalability, and digital transformation.
• Lead the implementation of manufacturing digital tools (e.g., MES, SCADA, SAP, OEE tracking systems) to drive real-time decision-making, traceability, and operational visibility.
• Champion digital manufacturing initiatives such as predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics for process optimization.
• Set strategic KPIs to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance asset utilization.
• Drive sustainability goals and develop roadmaps for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental compliance.
• Represent the plant in corporate strategic meetings, audits, and external stakeholder engagements.
• Stay updated on industry trends, digital manufacturing technologies, and automation opportunities to maintain a competitive edge.
• Sound knowledge and hands-on experience in Technology Transfer (Tech Transfer) processes, including scale-up activities, process optimization, technology absorption, cross-functional coordination, documentation, validation, and successful transfer of products/processes from R&D to commercial manufacturing

Operational Responsibilities

• Day-to-day execution, process improvement, systems implementation, and digital tools adoption.
• Ensure production targets are achieved with optimal use of manpower, equipment, and digital systems.
• Supervise the deployment and use of SAP, and other digital tools to monitor production efficiency and reduce manual reporting.
• Monitor manufacturing performance, downtime, and bottlenecks using digital dashboards and KPIs; ensure quick response through root cause analysis.
• Drive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production, maintenance, and logistics processes, ensuring alignment with internal QA/QC policies even in non-GMP environments.
• Promote lean manufacturing and Kaizen initiatives for continuous process improvement and waste elimination.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Ensure the plant operates in line with EHS standards-safety audits, risk assessments, and incident management.
• Coordinate with supply chain and procurement to ensure uninterrupted material flow and accurate demand planning.

People Responsibility

• Developing the workforce, enabling change, and building a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Lead, coach, and mentor the plant leadership team to ensure strong execution and leadership continuity.
• Build digital capability in teams by driving training programs for SCADA, SAP, and data literacy.
• Foster a culture of ownership, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Drive employee engagement, performance reviews, and succession planning.
• Create and maintain a high-trust, inclusive work environment that emphasizes safety and accountability.
• Engage shop floor teams in digital adoption to reduce resistance and promote a mindset shift.

Safety, Health & Environment (EHS)

• Ensure strict compliance with all EHS protocols and statutory guidelines. Lead plant safety audits and incident investigations. Promote a zero-accident culture.

Educational Qualification : M.Sc. In Chemistry, B.E./ B. Tech or M. Tech in Chemical Engineering / Pharmaceutical Sci

Experience : 15-20 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing( API/ CMO/ CDMO), at least 10-12 years in plant leadership or senior operations management role and experience in handling regulatory audits.

Interested candidates can share their profiles to : .