Production Head / Plant Head

Company: Reputed MNC in Paints & Coating

Position: Head of Production/Plant Head

Location: Tanzania
Industry: Paints & Coatings Manufacturing

Job Summary:

We are seeking a technically strong Head of Production with a background in Chemistry / Paint Technology who can independently lead production operations along with R&D, formulation, new product development, existing product improvement, raw material evaluation, laboratory testing, and QA/QC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complete production operations, ensuring achievement of quality, productivity, efficiency, cost, and delivery targets.
• Own and independently drive all improvement initiatives for existing paint and coating products, from R&D and formulation through laboratory trials, validation, and successful production implementation.
• Lead R&D and formulation development for new products and continuously improve existing formulations for quality, performance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Independently handle existing product improvement activities, including R&D, formulation changes, raw material evaluation, laboratory testing, QA/QC validation, plant trials, and final implementation in production.
• Evaluate and develop raw materials, including alternative raw materials and cost-effective substitutes.
• Plan and conduct laboratory testing, trials, formulation optimization, and product validation before production-scale implementation.
• Work closely with QA/QC and laboratory functions to establish specifications, testing parameters, quality standards, and corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot product and process-related issues and drive root-cause analysis and formulation/process corrections.
• Lead new product development from concept and formulation through laboratory testing, plant trials, scale-up, and commercialization.
• Ensure successful transfer of new and improved formulations from R&D/laboratory to production.
• Manage, guide, and develop production teams to ensure smooth and efficient plant operations.
• Provide technical direction on paint manufacturing machinery, production processes, production parameters, and process optimization.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality, production efficiency, raw material utilization, cost, and process performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, and manufacturing standards.

Candidate Profile:

• Strong hands-on experience in paints and coatings R&D, formulation, production, and manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on understanding of raw materials, formulations, QA/QC, laboratory testing, production processes, and plant operations.
• Ability to independently handle product improvement projects end-to-end, from R&D and formulation to laboratory testing, QA/QC validation, plant trials, and production implementation.
• Exposure to Decorative Coatings and High-Performance Coatings is preferred.
• Proven experience in managing production teams and manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of paint manufacturing machinery and processes.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong personality, leadership presence, interpersonal skills, and professional attitude.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and team-management abilities.