Plant head

This role is for one of the Weekday's clients

Salary range: Rs 5000000 - Rs 7000000 (ie INR 50-70 LPA)

Min Experience: 12 years

JobType: full-time

We are seeking a highly accomplished leader to spearhead the establishment and operations of a solar cell manufacturing facility. This role requires extensive experience in managing large-scale greenfield projects (minimum Capex of ₹1000 Cr) and a proven ability to deliver projects within time, budget, and quality standards. The Plant Head will oversee the facility from construction and commissioning through to stable operations, ensuring excellence across safety, compliance, efficiency, and profitability.

This position demands both strategic foresight and hands-on expertise in managing all plant functions, including Production, Utilities, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS.

Key Responsibilities

Construction & Commissioning Phase

• Serve as the single-point leader for complete project execution, coordinating with corporate management, EPC contractors, and technology partners.
• Oversee civil works, utility setup, equipment installation, cleanroom development, and infrastructure execution with strict adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Enforce rigorous safety standards, conduct risk assessments, and ensure EHS compliance throughout project activities.
• Lead equipment trials, process validation, and production ramp-up planning.
• Define the plant’s organizational structure and recruit key leadership roles across core functions.
• Develop plant policies, SOPs, and compliance frameworks in line with global best practices.
• Guarantee project delivery that meets deadlines, cost targets, and quality benchmarks.

Operations Phase

• Direct end-to-end plant operations, taking full responsibility for P&L, production targets, cost optimization, and quality performance.
• Monitor and enhance KPIs such as OEE, yield, energy efficiency, and cost per watt.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence.
• Build a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and high workforce engagement.
• Partner with R&D and corporate teams to introduce new processes and products.
• Ensure strict adherence to environmental, statutory, and regulatory standards.
• Drive financial discipline through cost control and long-term profitability strategies.
• Represent the plant with government authorities, customers, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, or Chemical).
• 20–25+ years of experience in high-tech, process-driven industries such as semiconductors or solar.
• Minimum 5–8 years in a senior plant/factory leadership role with full P&L accountability.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale greenfield projects through to steady-state operations.

Core Competencies

• Operational Excellence: Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and OEE improvement.
• Project Leadership: Proven capability in handling large-scale, capital-intensive industrial projects.
• Utilities & Maintenance: Strong understanding of plant infrastructure (power, water, HVAC, gases, cleanrooms).
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in budgeting, cost optimization, and P&L management.
• People Leadership: Experience in building, mentoring, and motivating cross-functional teams.
• Regulatory Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of statutory, industrial, and environmental regulations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and relationship management with vendors, partners, and authorities.