General Manager Rubber Compounding

3P Consultants; Chennai District; On-site; INR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

3P Consultants seeks a senior rubber technology expert to lead compound development, testing, and process optimization. You will oversee a NABL‑accredited lab, drive data‑driven testing, and ensure compliance with ASTM and BIS standards.

You will mentor teams and collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and R&D to deliver high‑performance rubber solutions. Ideal candidate has 15+ years of rubber technology experience, proficiency with diverse polymers, and a track record of process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field; Masters preferred.
• 15+ years in rubber technology, formulation and testing.
• Experience with natural and synthetic rubber.
• Management/oversight of NABL lab and adherence to ASTM and BIS standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee NABL lab operations and ensure testing aligns with global standards (ASTM, BIS).
• Lead development and testing of rubber compounds to meet specifications.
• Optimize mixing, extrusion, curing, and downstream processing for productivity and quality.
• Drive cost optimization and formulation rationalization without compromising performance.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, and R&D teams; mentor technical staff.

Skills

Rubber technology

Formulation

Testing

Quality control

Root cause analysis

Data-driven testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science

Masters degree preferred

Tools

Testing equipment

Rubber analysis software

NABL lab management

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Material Development

• Develop new rubber compounds and formulations to meet specific performance criteria and international and industrial specifications including BIS, SAE, EN, and ISO.
• Lead development activities focusing on NBR, as well as specialized polymers such as SBR, BR, EPDM, CR, CSM, NBR/PVC, CPE, HNBR, and FKM
• Drive formulation innovation to enhance product durability, processability, and customer-specific performance requirements.
• Support the development of next-generation compounds aligned with evolving market and regulatory requirements.

Testing and Analysis

• Establish and institutionalize a rigorous test regime that ensures all new compounds or changes are independently validated against required parameters before being released to production
• Interpret test data and performance results to assess formulation effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
• Establish testing protocols and ensure adherence to industry standards and customer specifications.
• Implement a data-driven approach to testing by establishing baselines with existing compounds to quantifiably prove the improvement (e.g., 30-40% better) of new developments.

Process Optimization

• Lead initiatives to optimize mixing, extrusion, curing, and downstream processing parameters for improved productivity and consistency.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve compound processability, reduce cycle times, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Drive cost optimization through formulation rationalization, material substitution, and yield improvement programs.
• Implement best practices in compounding and processing to maximize plant performance and product quality.

Quality Control

• Provide complete oversight of the NABL lab and its personnel, ensuring all testing aligns with global standards such as ASTM and BIS.
• Define quality standards, specifications, and acceptance criteria for all compounding operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality management systems.
• Monitor key quality indicators and lead corrective and preventive actions to address deviations.

Troubleshooting

• Provide technical leadership in resolving compound, processing, and product performance-related issues.
• Conduct root cause analysis of manufacturing defects, customer complaints, and quality concerns.
• Develop and implement corrective measures to eliminate recurring process and product issues.
• Support plant operations during critical production challenges and product validation activities.
• Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations related to rubber production

Documentation

• Ensure accurate maintenance of formulation records, technical specifications, development reports, and validation documents.
• Develop and standardize operating procedures, testing methodologies, and quality documentation.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management reviews, audits, customer interactions, and project updates.
• Maintain intellectual property, formulation databases, and technical knowledge repositories.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Supply chain, Engineering, and R&D teams to achieve business objectives.
• Partner with customers to understand technical requirements and provide application-focused solutions.
• Mentor and develop technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and operational excellence.

Innovation

• Drive R&D initiatives focused on new compound development, product enhancement, and emerging material technologies.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable and environmentally responsible formulations.
• Benchmark industry trends, competitor technologies, and advancements in rubber to strengthen competitive advantage.
• Lead strategic innovation projects that contribute to business growth, product differentiation, and long-term technology leadership.

Qualification

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Masters degree is preferred

Past Experience

• Experience: 15+ years in rubber technology, formulation and testing
• Proficient in using testing equipment and software related to rubber analysis. Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Exposure and experience of working with natural and synthetic rubber