Plant Manager

Job Description: Plant Manager
Industry: Solar
Designation :
Reporting :
Role Overview
The Plant Manager will oversee all operational aspects of a solar street lamp manufacturing facility, ensuring efficient production, quality assurance, inventory management, and alignment with company sales strategies.
This role will require strong leadership, a focus on lean manufacturing practices, and the ability to manage teams effectively.
The Plant Manager will also coordinate with sales and distribution teams to align production with market demand.

Key KRAs (Key Responsibility Areas)

1. Production Efficiency
• Ensure production targets are met within budget and on time.
• Minimise downtime and improve production processes.
2. Quality Assurance
• Maintain product quality standards as per industry and customer requirements.
• Implement robust quality checks throughout production.
3. Team Management
• Lead, train, and manage production teams.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
4. Cost Management
• Optimize resources to reduce waste and production costs.
• Manage operational budgets effectively.
5. Coordination with Sales
• Align production schedules with sales forecasts and market demand.
• Support the development of new products in collaboration with the R&D and sales teams.
6. Compliance & Safety
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and environmental standards.
• Maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
7. Inventory and Supply Chain Management
• Monitor raw material and finished goods inventory levels.
• Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely availability of materials.

Key KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

1. Production Metrics
• Monthly production output vs. target.
• Reduction in downtime (as a percentage of total operational hours).
2. Quality Metrics
• Percentage of products meeting quality standards (First Pass Yield).
• Number of customer complaints or returns.
3. Cost Metrics
• Production cost per unit.
• Savings are achieved through waste reduction.
4. Employee Metrics
• Employee retention rate.
• Number of training sessions conducted annually.
5. Safety Metrics
• Number of incidents/accidents per month.
• Compliance audit scores.
6. Supply Chain Metrics
• Average lead time for raw material procurement.
• Inventory turnover ratio.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Operations
• Develop and execute the plants operational strategy to meet production goals.
• Forecast and plan capacity and resource requirements.
2. Process Optimization
• Identify and implement process improvements using lean manufacturing techniques.
• Benchmark operations against industry best practices.
3. Leadership & Team Building
• Supervise and motivate team members to achieve plant objectives.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture.
4. Budgeting and Financial Oversight
• Prepare and monitor the plants operational budget.
• Analyze financial performance and take corrective actions as needed.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration
• Act as the primary point of contact between the plant and corporate leadership.
• Collaborate with sales, logistics, and R&D to meet market and customer needs.

1. Technology & Innovation
• Leverage modern manufacturing technologies and automation to improve efficiency.
• Stay updated with industry trends and integrate innovative practices.
2. Safety & Compliance
• Enforce safety protocols and conduct regular safety audits.
• Ensure adherence to local and international environmental standards.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Experience: Minimum 10 years in a manufacturing role, with 5+ years in a leadership capacity, preferably in the solar industry.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in lean manufacturing, quality management systems, and production planning software.
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Certifications: Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing certifications are a plus.