Asst. Manager – Manufacturing (Shift In-charge)

Overview

The Shift Incharge is responsible for leading end-to-end manufacturing operations during the assigned shift, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products while meeting production targets. The role is accountable for driving operational excellence through optimum manpower utilization, adherence to quality, food safety and EHS standards, minimizing losses, maximizing equipment efficiency, and ensuring accurate production reporting.

The incumbent will lead shop-floor teams, coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders including Quality, Engineering, Stores, Dispatch, Agro and HR, and ensure seamless execution of the production plan. The role also focuses on fostering a culture of continuous improvement through TPM, people capability development, disciplined execution, and proactive problem-solving to deliver sustainable business results.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operational Excellence

• Execute the production plan and achieve shift production targets while ensuring compliance with quality, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Optimize manpower, machine utilization, and production efficiencies to maximize output and minimize losses.
• Ensure smooth operation of production lines by minimizing downtime and driving timely troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Coordinate machine, line, and SKU planning with the Production Manager based on production capacity and dispatch priorities.
• Monitor production performance, analyze operational data, and implement improvement actions to enhance productivity.
• Complete shift closing activities, including stock verification, production reconciliation, and accurate shift documentation.
  
  

Quality, Food Safety & EHS

• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, GMP, quality systems, food safety standards, and PepsiCo operating procedures.
• Drive compliance with EHS standards, GEHSMS requirements, and safe work practices to maintain a safe and hygienic workplace.
• Participate in Packaging and Quality reviews, communicate action plans, and ensure timely closure of identified gaps.
• Coordinate with Quality and Agro teams for timely resolution of raw material and product quality issues.
  
  

Inventory & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Stores for timely issue and return of packaging and raw materials as per the production plan.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Dispatch, Agro, Planning, and HR teams to ensure uninterrupted production and on-time product availability.
• Support shift scheduling and contract manpower planning in coordination with the Production Coordinator.
  
  

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop shift teams to build a high-performing, engaged, and skilled workforce.
• Allocate and redeploy manpower based on operational priorities, competencies, and skill requirements.
• Drive discipline, effective shop-floor communication, and employee engagement while proactively resolving shop-floor issues.
• Support employee capability development through training, coaching, and implementation of development plans.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Lead TPM and continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance equipment effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence by driving Kaizen, problem-solving, and best practice implementation.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of production KPIs and support performance management processes, including KPI reviews and development discussions.
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Industrial, Production, Food Technology, or related discipline).
• 5–6 years of relevant minimum experience in a manufacturing/FMCG environment, preferably in food manufacturing or packaging operations.
• Hands-on experience in managing shift operations, production planning and execution, and people management.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, food safety standards, GMP, and EHS practices.
• Experience in TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, OEE improvement, and loss elimination will be preferred.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven operational decisions.
• Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership capability with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop frontline teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.