Head - Central Kitchen Operations

Job Title: Head Central Kitchen Operations

Location: Bengaluru, India

Company: Popo Ventures The Pizza Bakery, Paris Panini & Smash Guys

Employment Type: Full-Time

About The Role

We are looking for a process-driven leader from the FMCG/ Automotive sector to head our central kitchen operations. This role is ideal for someone who has managed high-volume production environments and understands lean manufacturing with knowledge of supply chain constraints, quality systems, and people management.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operations & Production

Plan and execute daily production as per outlet demand

Ensure on-time dispatch, minimal wastage, and optimal batch sizing

Monitor capacity utilization and line balancing

Implement SOPs and standard work practices

Improve throughput without compromising quality

2. Process Excellence

Implement Lean tools 5S, Kaizen, VSM, Poka-Yoke

Identify bottlenecks and improve OEE

Establish visual management systems

Conduct daily production review meetings

Lead continuous improvement projects

3. Quality & Food Safety

Ensure compliance with FSSAI, HACCP, ISO standards

Implement quality checks at every stage

Root cause analysis for deviations and rejections

Maintain audit readiness

4. Cost & Inventory Control

Monitor & Control RM consumption and yields

Reduce wastage and rework

Control manpower and utility costs

Implement FIFO and inventory norms

5. Team Leadership

Manage supervisors and shop-floor team

Train staff on SOPs and hygiene

Build performance-driven culture

Track KPIs productivity, efficiency, attendance

6. Coordination & Supply Chain

Work with procurement and logistics teams

Demand forecasting and production alignment

Preferred Background

Automotive manufacturing

FMCG, pharma or electronics plants

Desired Skills

Technical:

Production planning

Lean manufacturing

Quality tools

ERP, Excel reporting

Behavioural:

Strong problem solving

Data-driven mindset

High ownership

Experience & Qualification

815 years in manufacturing

Engineering degree preferred