Job description
Role Overview
Section Manager, Production LAB & GPS at alfanar, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Company Overview
alfanar, headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operates construction and manufacturing businesses, design and development centers, and facilities across the Middle East and other countries. alfanar Building Systems manufactures and markets building construction products and systems, including ceramic wall and floor tiles, façade cladding, glazing systems and architectural aluminum products, precast concrete products and architectural elements, and office and home furniture and interior décor products. alfanar Construction is classified as a Grade I contractor by the Contractors Classification Committee of the Government of Saudi Arabia.
Role Purpose
Lead and manage the Production Laboratory and Glaze Preparation sections by ensuring consistent quality, process efficiency, and production innovation through raw material testing, glaze formulation, process optimization, and team development to meet production targets and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Management
- Supervise lab activities including raw material analysis, chemical testing, and quality issue correction advice.
- Develop and implement testing protocols for new materials and formulations.
- Maintain calibration and upkeep of lab equipment.
Glaze Preparation Management
- Manage glaze formulation, mixing, and application processes.
- Collaborate with R&D and design teams to develop new glaze effects and finishes.
- Monitor glaze performance during production and troubleshoot issues.
- Ensure accurate documentation of glazing recipes and process parameters.
- Control pigments and raw materials related to glazes and regularly check related inventory.
Production Monitoring, Adjustment & Follow-Up
- Monitor shade variation and take corrective action when deviations are identified.
- Obtain approval from the R&D Manager for product changes and adjustments before commercial production start-up.
- Communicate required information to related departments from body preparation to kiln regarding developed bodies, glazes, and pilot run production.
- Ensure specified parameters are communicated, included, and maintained in the concerned departments.
Technology, Process Optimization & Innovation
- Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement.
- Support trials and pilot runs for new products and processes.
Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare regular reports on lab results, glaze performance, and production KPIs.
- Maintain accurate records of tests, formulations, and process changes.
- Participate in audits and contribute to quality assurance documentation.
People & Team Development
- Recruit, recognize, and cultivate high performers and create a robust second line of management.
- Recognize low performers and guide them to improve or release them.
- Treat subordinates equally without discrimination.
- Base assessment criteria on performance that leads to planned results.
- Ensure availability of delegation of authority matrix with sufficient delegations as per company policy.
Business Planning & Performance
- Transform corporate goals into business plans.
- Plan, follow-up, and execute annual and development plans.
- Monitor plan performance and initiate action to strengthen results and take corrective action accordingly.
- Provide periodic work progress reports.
- Monitor and control budgets and expenses to achieve optimum cost efficiency.
Organizational Development
- Develop organizational structure according to current requirements, taking into consideration future and development plans.
- Ensure availability of job descriptions for all job roles and deployment.
Business Process Improvements
- Develop, coordinate well-defined written systems, policies, and procedures.
- Seek automation opportunities.
- Navigate IT solutions relevant to the role and business.
- Promote automated systems and spread their culture.
Operations & Accountability
- Take full responsibility for operations as per the job description and required deliverables, taking into consideration general company guidelines.
- Anticipate problems and make necessary proactive steps to prevent them.
- Make necessary and proper timely decisions.
- Deliver required results in timely manner with required quality and cost.
- Make a tangible difference to the area of operation and exceed business expectations.
Health, Safety & Environment
- Ensure a safe, secure, and legal work environment as per standard regulations.
Quality & Compliance
- Treat quality as alfanar's prime competitive advantage and act accordingly.
- Adapt to new and alternative techniques, technologies, management structures, and business models.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor Degree in Ceramic Engineering or any relevant field.
- 4 to 6 years of work experience.
Skills & Competencies
- Safety Awareness and Compliance.
- Reporting.
- Product Development.