Vice President - Production and Quality (Dairy) (PSS07977)

About the Company

One of India's most recognised premium dairy and health food businesses, the company has built a strong portfolio across Greek yogurt, smoothies, beverages, and nutritious dairy products. With a nationwide distribution presence and a rapidly expanding manufacturing network, it continues to grow at pace, driven by a young, high-energy team and a clear ambition to become a defining name in better-for-you food in India.

Position Overview

The Vice President, Production & Quality role provides strategic and operational oversight across a distributed third-party manufacturing network. Based at the head office in Mumbai and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this leader will be accountable for production efficiency, quality standards, and partner management across multiple facilities in India, while building and scaling the internal production and quality team.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with third-party manufacturing partners, driving performance and accountability across multiple facilities.
• Align manufacturing capacities with demand plans, growth projections, and new product timelines.
• Resolve escalations and ensure business continuity across the partner network.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Sales, and NPD teams on demand planning and capacity allocation.
• Lead production planning for new facility onboarding, including the upcoming flagship plant in Goa.
• Own the quality agenda across all manufacturing locations, enforcing standards for raw materials, in-process controls, and finished goods.
• Ensure full compliance with FSSAI, BIS, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in product consistency, food safety, and audit readiness.
• Identify and deliver cost savings through process improvements, waste reduction, and better capacity utilisation.
• Build and monitor KPIs for each manufacturing partner and hold them accountable to agreed targets.
• Lead and grow a team of 8–10 professionals across quality and production, scaling to approximately 15 as the network expands.
• Operate autonomously, taking proactive decisions and building for the future in a fast-paced environment.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: 8–15 years in food processing or dairy operations, with significant exposure to managing multi-location manufacturing networks from a central function.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage external manufacturing partners and lead internal teams of 8–10, reporting directly to the COO.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of food safety systems, quality frameworks (HACCP, GMP), and regulatory compliance (FSSAI, BIS).
• Industry Background: Experience in dairy preferred; candidates from bakery, beverages, or packaged foods also suitable.
• Soft Skills: Commercial mindset, self-starter attitude, high ownership, and collaborative communication style suited to a lean, dynamic environment.

Why Consider this Opportunity?

• Lead the production and quality function at one of India’s most dynamic FMCG growth stories.
• Report directly to the Chief Operating Officer with strategic visibility and influence.
• Shape and scale a nationwide manufacturing network at a pivotal stage of expansion.
• Drive operational excellence across multiple third-party facilities and product categories.
• Join an entrepreneurial, high-energy culture that values ownership, initiative, and innovation.

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