R&D Manager (Chemistry)

Guocera Sdn Bhd; Kluang; On-site; MYR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A ceramic manufacturing company in Kluang is seeking an experienced R&D manager to drive innovative projects focusing on energy saving, sustainable practices, and ceramic product development. Candidates must have a degree in Materials Science or a related field with 5–8 years of experience in the ceramic industry. The role involves leading an R&D team, collaborating with external partners, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. This position provides opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years experience in the ceramic industry, especially in ceramic tile manufacturing.
• Able to lead an R&D team and coordinate product development.
• Experience developing new ceramic products or improving existing formulations.

Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor R&D projects focusing on Material and Process R&D.
• Liaise between Guocera and external factories in waste recycle programs.
• Mentor R&D engineers and supervise Technicians.

Skills

Knowledge of ceramic body & glaze formulation

Ability to analyse defects

Strong communication skills

Reporting skills

Problem-solving skills

Comfortable working in a factory environment

Education

Degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Implementation of Guocera Cost Innovation by Energy Saving.

Implementation, monitor, tracking, and reporting.

Leading on Guocera New Plant project.

Plan, communicate externally, monitor progress on projects related to ESG, Energy saving, Sustainable Energy, solar PV, & water.

Responsible in directing, initiating and planning of R&D activities to ensure the department is functioning efficiently and effectively.

To implement R&D programs focusing on Material and Process R&D for yield, productivity, cost and quality improvement.

To implement R&D programs on functional tiles to produce innovative tiles.

To liaise between Guocera and external factories in waste recycle programs.

To ensure R&D subordinates are properly trained, administered, developed and appraised.

To continuously update knowledge in ceramic technology.

To maintain close working relationship and contact with clients and all levels of management.

To generate testing services income from external customers.

To ensure on-time delivery of testing reports to customers.

Actively involved in 5S activities as 5S Champion.

Responsible for directing, initiating, planning and implementing of R&D projects.

Responsible for directing, initiating, planning and implementing of ESG projects.

To mentor and guide R&D engineer(s) and to supervise Technician(s).

To establish Key Result Areas and objectives of R&D programs

5S Committee pillar in CRC.

Job Description

• Implementation of Guocera Cost Innovation by Energy Saving.
• Implementation, monitor, tracking, and reporting.
• Leading on Guocera New Plant project.
• Plan, communicate externally, monitor progress on projects related to ESG, Energy saving, Sustainable Energy, solar PV, & water.
• Responsible in directing, initiating and planning of R&D activities to ensure the department is functioning efficiently and effectively.
• To implement R&D programs focusing on Material and Process R&D for yield, productivity, cost and quality improvement.
• To implement R&D programs on functional tiles to produce innovative tiles.
• To liaise between Guocera and external factories in waste recycle programs.
• To ensure R&D subordinates are properly trained, administered, developed and appraised.
• To continuously update knowledge in ceramic technology.
• To maintain close working relationship and contact with clients and all levels of management.
• To generate testing services income from external customers.
• To ensure on-time delivery of testing reports to customers.
• Actively involved in 5S activities as 5S Champion.
• Responsible for directing, initiating, planning and implementing of R&D projects.
• Responsible for directing, initiating, planning and implementing of ESG projects.
• To mentor and guide R&D engineer(s) and to supervise Technician(s).
• To establish Key Result Areas and objectives of R&D programs
• 5S Committee pillar in CRC.

Job Requirements

• Education - Degree in Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Industry Experience - 5–8 years experience in the ceramic industry, especially in ceramic tile manufacturing (body formulation, glaze, raw materials, kiln operations, digital printing).
• Technical Skills - Knowledge of ceramic body & glaze formulation.
• Technical Skills - Ability to analyse defects (e.g., pinholes, warpage, shade variation).
• Technical Skills - Experience with lab testing, raw materials, and process optimisation.
• Leadership - Able to lead an R&D team and coordinate product development.
• Leadership - Work closely with Production, QC, and Marketing.
• Innovation - Experience developing new ceramic products or improving existing formulations.
• Innovation - Awareness of market trends in tiles and ceramic technology.
• Soft Skills - Strong communication, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Soft Skills - Comfortable working in a factory environment.