Technical Manager (Chemistry)

Guocera Sdn Bhd; Kluang; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ceramic manufacturing company in Kluang, Malaysia, is seeking a Technical Department Manager. This role requires managing glaze development, ensuring adherence to company policies, and leading a team in achieving production targets. The ideal candidate must have at least 8 years of experience in ceramic manufacturing and a degree in a related field. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential to handle technical issues and manage manpower effectively. Competitive compensation and opportunities for advancement are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in ceramic manufacturing and glaze development.
• Strong technical knowledge in glaze formulation and production process control.
• Experience in cost and waste reduction, and process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage glaze development and improvements for production requirements.
• Monitor and control inventory to prevent waste.
• Provide technical assistance for quality-related issues.

Skills

Glaze formulation

Color matching

Process improvement

Manpower management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Environmental control equipment

Job description

Manage the Technical department, Glaze preparation, and IQC operations by providing proper technical support, and undertake necessary measures to ensure the products conforms to specifications and directing staff and workers to achieve the KRA / KPI targets. All the departments operations and processes must meet requirements of 5S, KRA/ KPI, QMS, ABCMS, EMS, OHSAS and production targets in terms of productivity, quality, costs and delivery time to meet both internal and external customer needs in the most effective way. Skilled in coordinating multiple organizational operations, including collecting and compiling data and analyzing quality / technical reports. Seeking to join a team-oriented company to increase profitability, introduce quality products that satisfy customers, and open the doors to future advancement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• To carry out glaze development, trial runs and improvements to meet production, NPD and Sales requirements in terms of quality, cost and consistency.
• Color matching of color body and conversion from Meru/New body from NPD.
• To check and control incoming glaze and body materials together with the CRC QAS team.
• To find ways to minimize costs and production waste.
• Check and control the daily in-process parameters and provide technical assistance for quality-related issues.
• Communicate with CRC on body formulation development, trial runs and implementation on the shop floor.
• Plan the glaze preparation operation to ensure engobe, glazes and granilla products conform to specifications and production schedules.
• Maintain a safe, clean and healthy working environment by implementing 5S principles effectively.
• Carry out company-wide program activities such as 5S, Audits, QMS, EMS, EHS and ABCMS effectively.
• Monitor Jabatan Farmasi caustic soda usage, inventory control and audit requirements.
• Responsible for monitoring waste recycling to meet Eco Label requirements.
• Work with the team to handle customer issues, attend to and resolve customer complaints.
• Evaluate production methods and process stability to ensure maximum productivity, effectiveness, efficiency and quality consistency.
• Responsible for maintaining all manufacturing buildings, equipment and processes, and making recommendations that support continuous improvement and/or cost reduction.
• Monitor and control inventory to prevent understocking or overstocking, minimizing waste and reducing the risk of running out of materials or consumables.
• Monitor and evaluate machine health/performance to maximise OEE.
• Work with the Maintenance Department to ensure PVM activities are carried out as planned and machine faults are rectified promptly.
• Commit to plant safety procedures by ensuring staff adhere to workplace safety rules and discipline.
• Ensure equipment meets performance and safety requirements, including machinery and environmental control equipment such as dust collectors, air filters and scrubbers.
• Conduct scheduled safety audits to identify unsafe conditions and improve quality of work life.
• Monitor manpower utilization, measure employee performance, provide feedback and motivate employees to reach their full potential. Take appropriate measures for underperforming staff.
• Provide technical training to executives, supervisors and workers to improve process stability, productivity and final product quality. Take initiative in plant operations and develop creative concepts for staff.
• Responsible for knowing and enforcing company rules, regulations and policies. Consult with management for interpretation when needed and recommend updates when necessary.
• Responsible for labour relations and responses to grievances.
• Follow company operating procedures and policy guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

• Degree in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in ceramic manufacturing, glaze/body development, and production process control.
• Strong technical knowledge in glaze formulation, color matching, raw material control, and trial-run management.
• Experience in process improvement, cost & waste reduction, OEE monitoring, and working with Maintenance on preventive maintenance.
• Familiar with QMS, EMS, EHS, 5S, safety audits, and environmental control equipment.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in manpower management, training, and handling technical issues.
• Good communication skills to work with CRC, NPD, QA, Sales and handle customer complaints.
• Able to ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations and support continuous improvement initiatives.