Manager, Raw Material

Guocera Sdn Bhd; Kluang; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Guocera Sdn Bhd in Malaysia is seeking a senior leader to steer raw material research, development, and qualification to sustain production needs. You will drive the QAS program to ensure steady material quality, evaluate new sources, and secure cost-competitive supplies in partnership with manufacturing and R&D teams.

The role demands 8+ years in raw materials and strong leadership, with travel required for supplier visits and site assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Geology, Mineral Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in raw materials, minerals, ceramics, building materials, cement, glass, quarry, mining, or related industries.
• Proven experience in raw material sourcing, qualification, supplier development, and quality management.
• Strong understanding of material properties, industrial minerals, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in technical evaluations, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting material-related issues.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop a team.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and technical reporting.
• Willing to travel for supplier visits, material assessments, and site evaluations when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage raw material research, development, evaluation, and qualification activities to support production requirements.
• Drive the Quality at Source (QAS) programme to ensure consistent raw material quality and compliance with specifications.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop new raw material sources and alternative suppliers to ensure supply continuity and cost competitiveness.
• Conduct technical assessments, material characterization, and performance evaluations of raw materials.
• Monitor supplier performance and collaborate with suppliers on quality improvements and corrective actions.
• Investigate and resolve raw material-related production and quality issues in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and R&D teams.
• Develop and maintain raw material databases, technical records, and benchmarking information.
• Assess raw material reserves, sustainability, availability, and market trends to support long-term sourcing strategies.
• Lead cost optimization initiatives through raw material reformulation, sourcing alternatives, and process improvements.
• Manage, coach, and develop team members while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data-driven

Stakeholder mgmt

Sourcing

Quality management

Communication

Technical evaluation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials/Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead and manage raw material research, development, evaluation, and qualification activities to support production requirements.

Drive the Quality at Source (QAS) programme to ensure consistent raw material quality and compliance with specifications.

Identify, evaluate, and develop new raw material sources and alternative suppliers to ensure supply continuity and cost competitiveness.

Conduct technical assessments, material characterization, and performance evaluations of raw materials.

Monitor supplier performance and collaborate with suppliers on quality improvements and corrective actions.

Investigate and resolve raw material-related production and quality issues in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and R&D teams.

Develop and maintain raw material databases, technical records, and benchmarking information.

Assess raw material reserves, sustainability, availability, and market trends to support long‑term sourcing strategies.

Lead cost optimization initiatives through raw material reformulation, sourcing alternatives, and process improvements.

Manage, coach, and develop team members while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Geology, Mineral Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in raw materials, minerals, ceramics, building materials, cement, glass, quarry, mining, or related manufacturing industries.

Proven experience in raw material sourcing, qualification, supplier development, and quality management.

Strong understanding of material properties, industrial minerals, and manufacturing processes.

Experience in conducting technical evaluations, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting material‑related issues.

Strong project management and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach.

Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop a team.

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and technical reporting.

Willing to travel for supplier visits, material assessments, and site evaluations when required.

Unlock job insights

Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants

Guocera Tile Industries is a member of the Hong Leong Group, a Malaysian conglomerate with diverse businesses interests in various countries globally. CERAMICHE GUOCERA ranks among the most reputable brands in the global marketplace, supplying tiles to many prestigious commercial and residential development projects in over 50 countries worldwide. We provide a complete range of products ranging from glazed wall & floor tiles, porcelain tiles to fashionable crafted decorative accessories. Our team of more than 1,000 employees in our operations in Petaling Jaya, Kluang and Meru are committed to providing the best products to our customers wherever they are in the world. In line with our continuous quest for growth and globalization of our business activities, we seek ambitious and dynamic professional’s to join our team.

Hong Leong Group is involved in a wide range of manufacturing and distribution activities that generates a revenue base exceeding USD 2.5 billion. The Group's manufacturing and distribution operations and products are represented and distributed by a worldwide network of branches, appointed distributors and agents. Leveraging on its diversity and strength, the Group is committed to producing goods of the highest quality at affordable prices through continuous improvement, innovation, research and development.

Our Locations:

Head Office :

Petaling Jaya

Factory :

Meru, Klang and Kluang, Johor

Ceramic Research Company

Kapar, Selangor

Guocera Tile Industries is a member of the Hong Leong Group, a Malaysian conglomerate with diverse businesses interests in various countries globally. CERAMICHE GUOCERA ranks among the most reputable brands in the global marketplace, supplying tiles to many prestigious commercial and residential development projects in over 50 countries worldwide. We provide a complete range of products ranging from glazed wall & floor tiles, porcelain tiles to fashionable crafted decorative accessories. Our team of more than 1,000 employees in our operations in Petaling Jaya, Kluang and Meru are committed to providing the best products to our customers wherever they are in the world. In line with our continuous quest for growth and globalization of our business activities, we seek ambitious and dynamic professional’s to join our team.

Hong Leong Group is involved in a wide range of manufacturing and distribution activities that generates a revenue base exceeding USD 2.5 billion. The Group's manufacturing and distribution operations and products are represented and distributed by a worldwide network of branches, appointed distributors and agents. Leveraging on its diversity and strength, the Group is committed to producing goods of the highest quality at affordable prices through continuous improvement, innovation, research and development.

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