Assistant Plant Manager

About the Company

Lactalis is a family-owned dairy group based in Laval (Mayenne), in the west of France. Lactalis is now the worlds No 1 Dairy products Manufacturer. The way it started and where it is right now is simply astonishing. In 1933, André Besnier started up his cheese-making company. On the first day he collected 17 litres of milk and produced 35 camembert’s : the Besnier company was in business. Since then, the group, adopted more international name of Lactalis in 1999, has continued to expand rapidly. Its range of products has grown considerably (cheeses, milk, cream, butter, ultra-fresh, milk powder, etc.), as has the reputation of its products. Lactalis now owns a series of prestigious French and international brands. Around the world, Lactalis is recognized as having the know-how of a major dairy Group. They provide a range of more than 2,000 products, covering all the dairy product categories (milk, butter, cream, cheese, dairy dessert), to all distribution networks, with the same objective : to meet at its best the needs of their customers. Each year, more than 17,000 containers are exported to more than 90 countries around the world by Lactalis International. In 2014, Lactalis acquired Tirumala, where it opened up enormous opportunities in the biggest and most challenging dairy market in the world to position it as the most preferred brand in India, followed by Anik in 2016 and Prabhat Dairy in 2019. 4500 employees are working in India for Lactalis. The groupe is moving forward with prospective employees towards achieving milestones.

About the Role

The Deputy Plant Manager assists the Plant Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the dairy processing plant. This role involves ensuring efficient production processes, maintaining high product quality standards, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and leading and developing plant staff. The Deputy Plant Manager plays a critical role in achieving operational excellence and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role will be directly reporting to the Plant Manager.

Responsibilities

Process Improvement :

Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance productivity and efficiency.

Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, etc.

Implement best practices and innovative solutions to improve plant operations.

Compliance and Safety :

Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to food safety, environmental standards, and workplace safety.

Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions to promote a safe working environment.

Address any non-compliance issues promptly and effectively.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management :

Oversee inventory management to ensure adequate supply of raw materials and packaging.

Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials.

Manage relationships with suppliers and contractors.

Financial Management :

Assist in the preparation and management of the plant’s budget.

Monitor production costs and implement cost-saving measures where possible.

Analyze financial and operational data to drive decision-making.

Reporting :

Prepare regular reports on production, quality, and operational performance.

Present findings and recommendations to senior management.

Use data-driven insights to improve plant performance.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in dairy technology.

15+ years of experience in heading dairy plant operations.

Experience in cheese production is an added advantage.

Experience in plant management and manufacturing operations.

Strong communication, management and supervisory skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement :

Lactalis is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.