Group Lead: Vertical Start-Up & Capability Development at The Coca-Cola Company

This role will lead the design and deployment of operational readiness, capability development and productivity improvement initiatives across CCBA, ensuring successful start-up of new lines, technologies, and processes, while building sustainable capabilities that drive long-term performance improvement.

Key Duties & Responsibilities    

• Develop, Lead and Implement productivity initiatives across CCBA.
• Design and drive a group-wide VSU strategy to ensure flawless launch and ramp-up of new manufacturing lines, technologies, and processes.
• Oversee operational readiness plans, ensuring market teams are equipped with the tools, training, and systems required to meet time, quality, and cost targets at start-up.
• Create and continuously improve standardised frameworks, templates, and governance models for VSU planning, tracking, and execution.
• Design and implement training programs to build technical and operational capability within project teams, engineering, and production staff.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, SHEQ, and other functions to ensure cross-functional readiness and alignment for seamless project handovers.
• Track VSU KPIs (e.g., time to rate, waste, OEE, FTR) and ensure smooth transition from project to operations with fully trained teams and stable performance.
• Lead the development of learning academies, certification pathways, and role-based development programs tailored to key manufacturing and support functions.
• Establish mechanisms for sharing VSU learnings and capability development best practices across countries to build a consistent, scalable approach to operational excellence.

Skills, Experience & Education    
Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field

Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with a strong track record in leading vertical start-ups (VSU) and operational readiness programs.
• Proven experience in cross-functional project leadership, particularly in line commissioning, production ramp-up, and early performance stabilisation.
• Background in designing and implementing capability development frameworks and training programs across multiple sites or regions.

Skills:

• Ability to design and execute structured VSU frameworks that ensure seamless handover from project to stable operations.
• Strong understanding of production processes, line performance metrics (OEE, FTR, waste), and the technical requirements for operational ramp-up.
• Skilled in designing role-based learning programs, competency frameworks, and hands-on training to build sustainable operational capability.
• Expertise in managing complex start-up timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and leading change during commissioning and ramp-up.
• Ability to align and engage stakeholders across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and HR to ensure readiness across all dimensions.
• Capability to track VSU performance metrics, identify gaps quickly, and drive corrective actions or continuous improvement initiatives.

Deadline:13th June,2025