Plant Director

Job Purpose:Lead and oversee all plant operations to ensure production efficiency, product quality, safety compliance, cost optimization, and sustainable business growth. The Plant Director is accountable for overall plant performance, including operational, financial, and people management results.Key Responsibitities :Plant Leadership & Operational ManagementLead overall plant operations to achieve production, quality, safety, and financial targets.Ensure production plans are executed effectively to meet customer demand and business objectives.Drive operational discipline and establish a strong performance culture across all functions.Monitor plant KPIs and implement corrective actions to close performance gaps.P&L Ownership and Cost ManagementAssume full accountability for plant profitability and cost performance.Develop and manage annual operating budgets (OPEX) and capital expenditure plans (CAPEX).Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives across labor, utilities, materials, maintenance, and logistics.Manufacturing ExcellenceDrive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies.Improve productivity, equipment efficiency (OEE), material yield, and throughput.Support manufacturing digitalization and automation initiatives.Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory ComplianceEnsure full compliance with Food Safety Management Systems and regulatory requirements.Maintain certifications such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, Halal, Kosher, GMP, and customer standards where applicable.Engineering & Asset ManagementOversee maintenance, engineering, utilities, and reliability programs.Lead plant expansion, facility improvement, and automation projects.Develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.Build a strong safety culture with a goal of zero lost-time accidents.Lead risk assessments and corrective/preventive action programs.Promote sustainability and resource optimization initiatives.Supply Chain & Inventory ManagementCoordinate closely with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Commercial teams.Ensure adequate raw material availability and finished goods inventory.Improve warehouse efficiency and inventory accuracy.Optimize production planning based on material availability and customer demand.Stakeholder ManagementCollaborate with senior leadership on strategic initiatives and business plans.Lead and develop the plant leadership team.Work closely with internal departments and external partners.Represent the plant during customer visits, audits, and business reviews.Qualifications & Experience:Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Technology, Industrial Management, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or related disciplines. MBA is preferable.Minimum 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience.At least 5 years in Plant Director, Plant Manager, Manufacturing Director, or equivalent roles.Strong experience in Food Processing, Agriculture Processing, FMCG, Ingredients, Coconut Processing, or related industries.Experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations and multiple functions.Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, engineering, maintenance, and supply chain.Solid understanding of P&L management, budgeting, and cost control.Familiarity with Lean, TPM, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence methodologies.Knowledge of food safety and quality systems.