Seeking an experienced R&D Specialist with strong Management experience for a position available as a Compound Manager in Howic.
The ideal candidate hold a Degree in Science/Chemistry or equivalent (Polymer).will have a strong background in polymer and compounding experience working with organic and inorganic materials, along with extensive knowledge of quality management systems and strong management experience.
Minimum requirements: - DPRI/BSc. degree in Science/Chemistry or equivalent/Diploma (Polymer).
- Specialist (Research and Development) with experience in Polymer/Compound.
- Solid Management experiene
- Extensive experience in Quality Management systems.
- Familiarity with SHEQ standards and legal requirements in chemical production.
- Proficient in managing Hazardous chemical substances and understanding REACH regulations.
- Ability to interpret chemical TDS's and MSDS's.
- Willing to work some weekends.
Responsibilities: - The compounder manager will develop new compounds for various on-site departments.
- Will also be the custodian of the compounds and monitor their performance both at mixing through to the final product.
- Research and develop available technology with respect to compound formulation to ensure that recipes and ingredients for recipes are developed, changed/adapted and/or approved in a time and cost-efficient way according to the internal or external customer requirements based on project specifications.
- Ensure that all laboratory equipment and infrastructure needed for testing are operated safely and carefully by laboratory personnel, and adequate and cost-efficient maintenance & calibration are planned and performed together with Engineering.
- Ensure that all rubber compounds, including R&D projects and final products, are tested in accordance with the correct methodology, testing equipment and relevant specifications & standards for release in a timely manner to internal & external customers, such as Fire resistance compounds, M &N Grade compounds, etc.
- Analysis of failures from failed rubber production batches and customer returns, including troubleshooting of manufacturing processes and methods
- Creation of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) documents.
- Completion of process and ISO standard documentation.
- Corrective action/preventive action, quality and lean implementation support.
- Preparation of technical reports for use by engineering, management and sales.
- Coordinate technical activities of the department.
- Monitor and control slow-moving and off-specification stock with support from procurement.
- All this considering that to assure sustainability, the following is necessary:
- Human resources/personnel are working in a safe and healthy working environment and are well-trained to follow the relevant standards.
- Continuous improvement of own processes and process outputs is addressed and managed.
- New compound technology adapts to current market demand.
- Technical transfer of Know-How rubber raw materials, compound formulations, rubber processing technology and final rubber products as per international standards.
- Understand all internal and external regulatory requirements.
- Compound Design & Development:
- Formulate rubber compounds to meet processing, cost, product, and market performance needs.
- Produce R&D/experimental prototypes on a laboratory pilot scale.
- Scale up experimental prototypes to plant-level production.
- Assist customers with their requirements.
- Test and approve pilot production for mass production.
- Gather processing reports from customers and establish mill control laboratory limits.
- Implement new technologies to align with current economic conditions.
- Provide daily support to the Technical Production Director and address issues.
- Laboratory Management:
- Ensure quality control and release of final products.
- Handle and report non-conforming products and raw materials.
- Manage internal capacity and prioritise tasks.
- Control costs within the department.
- Leadership and People Development:
- Develop a succession plan for anticipated retirements.
- Train deputies for key roles.
- Engage with customers regularly.
- Health & Safety:
- Enforce compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality policies (ISO 14001 and ISO 9001).
- Operational Excellence:
- Drive continuous cost improvement initiatives.
- Foster a "Win as a Team" culture within the Management Team and your designated area of responsibility.
- Ensure that the Technical Production Director is informed of all tasks undertaken.
- Ensure the Production Manager is aware of shortcomings in the department.