Refractory Manager

Pro Select Consulting; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro Select Consulting seeks an experienced Refractory Manager to own all refractory operations within a steelmaking client plant in Cape Town. You will lead Melt Shop and Rolling Mill refractory activities, manage materials, oversee installations and trials, and implement best practices to ensure safe, uninterrupted production.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in refractory maintenance in steelmaking, with strong leadership, planning, and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in refractory maintenance within steelmaking environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of refractory systems, materials, and maintenance practices.
• Leadership experience managing teams in heavy industrial/steel manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee all refractory activities across Melt Shop and Rolling Mill.
• Ensure refractory installations are production-ready before handover.
• Develop strategies aligning refractory with plant objectives.
• Manage refractory consumption and cost per ton of billet produced.
• Oversee refractory inventory and coordinate with procurement for material availability.
• Lead, mentor, and develop refractory teams to achieve high performance.
• Allocate resources to meet maintenance and production needs.
• Identify opportunities to optimize material usage and reduce costs.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance management

Cost optimization

Project planning

Team development

Safety awareness

Continuous improvement

Education

N6/S4 Ceramics

N6/S4 Metallurgy

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Refractory Manager to take ownership of all refractory operations within our client'ssteel manufacturing operation. This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness of refractory systems while driving technical excellence and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will lead refractory teams, manage materials and inventory, oversee installations and trials, and implement best practices that support safe and uninterrupted production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all refractory activities across the Melt Shop and Rolling Mill.
• Ensure refractory installations are completed to the highest standard and are production-ready before handover.
• Develop and implement strategies that align refractory operations with overall plant objectives.
• Take full accountability for refractory consumption and cost per ton of billet produced.
• Manage refractory inventory and collaborate closely with procurement to ensure uninterrupted material availability.
• Identify opportunities to optimise material usage and reduce operating costs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop refractory teams to achieve high performance and operational excellence.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet maintenance and production requirements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain refractory practices that meet or exceed industry best standards.
• Lead, monitor, and report on refractory trials, analysing outcomes and implementing improvements.
• Share technical expertise and best practices across the department to strengthen overall capability.
• Proactively identify potential refractory issues before they impact operations.
• Implement preventative measures to eliminate catastrophic refractory failures and minimise production downtime.
• Ensure all refractory work supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance.

Personal Attributes:

• Minimum N6/S4 qualification in Ceramics,
• N6/S4 qualification in Metallurgy (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in refractory maintenance within a steelmaking environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of refractory systems, materials, and maintenance practices.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in a heavy industrial or steel manufacturing environment.
• A proactive and solutions-driven leader with excellent technical expertise.
• Strong planning, organisational, and people management skills.
• A commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• The ability to analyse challenges, implement sustainable solutions, and drive best-in-class refractory performance.