Head of Operations

About the Opportunity

We are building one of India's fastest-growing manufacturing businesses, helping some of the country's largest brands transition towards environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

As customer demand accelerates, we're looking for a Head of Operations to build the operational backbone needed to scale manufacturing capacity, strengthen manufacturing partnerships, and consistently deliver for enterprise customers.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who enjoys solving complex operational challenges, building scalable systems, and thriving in a fast-paced founder-led environment.

What You'll Own

• Scale manufacturing capacity by combining captive production with a strong network of contract manufacturing partners.
• Build, qualify, and scale a high-performing ecosystem of manufacturing partners through rigorous vendor identification, evaluation, onboarding, and performance management.
• Own end-to-end customer fulfilment by aligning sourcing, production planning, manufacturing, supply chain, and delivery.
• Drive production planning and capacity allocation across internal manufacturing facilities and external manufacturing partners to maximise throughput and machine utilisation.
• Improve operational efficiency by removing bottlenecks, increasing capacity, reducing costs, and ensuring consistent quality and on-time delivery.
• Develop resilient sourcing strategies by building multiple qualified suppliers for critical raw materials and manufacturing inputs.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and service partners.
• Conduct operational and technical assessments of manufacturing partners, including evaluation of infrastructure, production capability, quality systems, manpower, and capacity.
• Build and lead cross-functional teams across manufacturing, procurement, planning, warehouse, and supply chain.
• Partner closely with the founders to solve business-critical operational challenges and build an operations function capable of supporting the company's next phase of growth.

What We're Looking For

• 10–18 years of experience leading manufacturing and operations within industrial or manufacturing businesses.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end operations spanning manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, production planning, and customer fulfilment.
• Strong experience building and managing contract manufacturing networks, vendor development, supplier qualification, and strategic sourcing.
• Demonstrated success in scaling production capacity while maintaining quality, cost, and delivery commitments.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Experience leading large cross-functional operational teams.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on execution mindset.
• Comfortable operating in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment where speed, ownership, and adaptability are essential.
• Engineering degree preferred.
• Willingness to travel frequently to manufacturing facilities and vendor locations.

Preferred Industry Background

Experience in one or more of the following industries would be valuable:

• Flexible Packaging
• Packaging Films
• Plastics & Polymers
• Contract Manufacturing
• Specialty Chemicals
• Industrial Products
• Auto Components
• Building Materials
• FMCG Manufacturing

Candidates from adjacent manufacturing sectors with strong operational leadership experience are also encouraged to apply.

Who Will Succeed

We're looking for someone who:

• Takes complete ownership and proactively solves problems instead of escalating them.
• Builds capacity ahead of demand and anticipates operational bottlenecks before they impact customers.
• Is equally comfortable negotiating with suppliers, evaluating manufacturing partners, and spending time on the factory floor.
• Makes sound decisions in ambiguous situations using practical judgment and data.
• Enjoys building systems and processes in a rapidly scaling business rather than simply maintaining existing operations.
• Leads with a hands-on approach and inspires teams through execution.
• Builds strong relationships across suppliers, manufacturing partners, customers, and internal stakeholders.

If you're excited about building and scaling operations that directly enable business growth, we'd love to hear from you.