Shift Manager

ob Title

Shift In-Charge – Biodiesel Plant

Location : VSEZ, Duvvada, Visakhapatnam

Department : Production- Process

Reports To : Sr.Manager Process

Job Purpose

To lead and supervise all production activities during the assigned shift, ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous biodiesel manufacturing operations while meeting quality, quantity, and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

Shift Operations Management

Oversee end-to-end plant operations including pretreatment, transesterification, washing, distillation, methanol recovery, and utility systems.

Monitor process parameters (temperature, pressure, flow, pH, FFA, etc.) and take corrective actions to maintain optimum production levels.

Ensure proper start-up, shutdown, and changeover procedures are followed.

Team Leadership

Supervise operators, technicians, and contract staff during the shift.

Allocate tasks, provide guidance, and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Conduct shift briefings and maintain effective communication with the next shift and management.

Safety & Compliance

Enforce EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) guidelines and statutory regulations.

Conduct routine safety checks and promptly report / resolve any incidents or near misses.

Ensure proper handling and storage of chemicals (methanol, caustic, catalysts, etc.).

Quality Assurance

Coordinate with the QC / QA team for sampling and analysis of intermediate and final products.

Implement process adjustments to maintain product quality as per ASTM / EN standards.

Maintenance Coordination

Report equipment abnormalities and assist maintenance teams in troubleshooting.

Ensure preventive maintenance schedules are followed.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate shift logs of production data, downtime, raw material / chemical consumption, and manpower deployment.

Prepare daily production reports and highlight process deviations.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of biodiesel production processes (pretreatment, esterification, transesterification, distillation, methanol recovery, glycerin handling, etc).

Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and DCS / SCADA controls.

Leadership and team management skills.

Problem-solving and quick decision-making under pressure.

Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree / Diploma in Chemical Engineering, BSc. / MSc in Oil technology.

8-10 years of experience in a chemical / biochemical / oil & gas process plant (biodiesel or edible oil industry preferred).

Hands-on experience with utilities (boiler, cooling tower, air compressor, etc.) is desirable.

Prior experience in a SEZ / hazardous chemical environment will be an added advantage.

Working Conditions :

Shift-based role (rotational shifts – morning, evening, night).

Work environment involves exposure to chemical processing areas, high-temperature equipment, and flammable materials .

PPE compliance mandatory.