The Associate Manager – Mini Millet and Rice Factory Facility and Operations will play a key role in overseeing the planning, construction, and operational management of a new food processing facility in Bhubaneswar, established under the project ‘Promoting Self-Help Group Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition’. Reporting to the Scientist I with secondary reporting to the IRRI State Coordinator of Odisha and the Project Investigator, the incumbent will manage all aspects of civil construction, interior design, installation, and commissioning of food processing machinery and R&D laboratories. The role requires ensuring alignment with structural and engineering specifications, floor plans, and regulatory standards, including HACCP and GMP, while closely coordinating with OAIC engineers, machinery vendors, contractors, IRRI staff, and SHG members.

In addition to supervising site construction and technical compliance, the Associate Manager will lead day-to-day operations, facility maintenance, utility management, and quality control. This includes training of technicians and SHG members, scheduling preventive maintenance, managing budgets, and ensuring health, safety, and environmental compliance. The role also involves representing IRRI in government and committee meetings, providing progress updates to the Odisha Government, and ensuring the timely achievement of project milestones. Upon meeting all technical and documentation requirements, the Associate Manager will be responsible for final project sign-off and handover.

This position will be based at the IRRI India Office, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of India.

• Coordinate and oversee the civil construction, interiors, and setup of the food processing factory.
• Ensure that the facility layout, food processing machines and lab equipment, and installations meet the standards of food safety, hygiene, and operational efficiency.
• Implement operational procedures and best practices to ensure the smooth running of the facility, optimizing productivity while maintaining high-quality output.
• Develop, maintain, and improve facility workflows and protocols to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime
• Supervise the installation and commissioning of all food processing machinery and equipment.
• Establish a comprehensive maintenance schedule.
• Ensure spare parts and consumables are managed efficiently.
• Prepare and manage the facility budget.
• Monitor resource utilization and adjust allocations.
• Ensure the facility meets all food quality standards.
• Oversee inspections, testing, and reporting.
• Prepare BOQs and manage procurement processes for infrastructure development, renovation, and equipment procurement.
• Work closely with OAIC engineering team, contractors, and machinery suppliers
• Lead and manage technicians and facility staff.
• Develop staff training programs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide regular reports to senior management.
• Supervise and coordinate outsourced service agencies/contractors.
• Liaise with government and public-private agencies.
• Oversee safety, security, and statutory compliance including licenses and NOC renewals.
• Ensure the timely completion of construction and equipment installation, adhering to standards.
• Optimize workflows and ensure consistent output.
• Achieve and maintain compliance with HACCP, GMP, and other regulations.
• Establish and maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Lead, train, and manage staff for operational excellence.
• Minimize downtime and ensure reliability for continuous operation.
• Align financial management with performance metrics.
• Regularly report on factory operations, safety, and budget performance.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records.
• Ensure sustained utilities (electricity, water, HVAC).
• Manage OHSE risks for uninterrupted, compliant operations.

• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field with a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience; or
• Master’s in civil/ mechanical/electrical engineering or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience

Mandatory

• Strong linkages with service providers, suppliers, and vendors
• Excellent knowledge and experience of Food Processing Machines, operations, and facility management
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong procurement and negotiation skills
• Stakeholder management
• High technical competence
• Labor and vendor management
  

Preferred

• Occupational Health & Safety Training
• Hands-on experience in operating food processing machinery
• Knowledge of general maintenance methods, operating requirements, and safety precautions related to food factory and facilities management
  

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.