SECTION MANAGER PRODUCTION LAB & GPS📣 Job Ad

About the Role: Section Manager, Production Lab & GPS

alfanar is seeking a Section Manager, Production Lab & GPS to lead and manage the Production Laboratory and Glaze Preparation sections in Riyadh. This full-time role is critical for ensuring consistent quality, process efficiency, and production innovation. The manager will achieve these goals through meticulous raw material testing, precise glaze formulation, continuous process optimization, and dedicated team development, all aimed at meeting production targets and upholding quality standards.

alfanar operates extensive construction and manufacturing businesses, including design & development centers and various facilities across the Middle East and other regions. alfanar Building Systems specifically manufactures and markets a diverse range of building construction products, such as ceramic wall and floor tiles, façade cladding, glazing systems, architectural aluminum products, precast concrete products, and interior décor items.

Key Responsibilities: Laboratory & Glaze Management

• Supervise all laboratory activities, including raw material analysis, chemical testing, and providing advice for correcting quality issues.
• Develop and implement comprehensive testing protocols for new materials and formulations.
• Ensure the regular calibration and proper upkeep of all laboratory equipment.
• Manage the entire glaze formulation, mixing, and application processes.
• Collaborate effectively with R&D and design teams to develop innovative glaze effects and finishes.
• Monitor glaze performance throughout production and proactively troubleshoot any identified issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all glazing recipes and process parameters.

Production Oversight & Innovation

• Monitor shade variation in products and implement corrective actions when deviations are identified.
• Obtain necessary approval from the R&D Manager for all product changes and adjustments prior to commercial production start-up.
• Communicate essential information regarding developed bodies, glazes, and pilot run production to relevant departments, from body preparation to kiln.
• Ensure that specified parameters are communicated, incorporated, and consistently maintained within concerned departments.
• Control pigments and raw materials related to glazes and conduct regular checks of related inventory.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for continuous improvement and efficiency gains.
• Support trials and pilot runs for the introduction of new products and processes.
• Prepare regular reports detailing lab results, glaze performance, and production Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain accurate records of all tests, formulations, and process changes.
• Participate in audits and contribute to the development and maintenance of quality assurance documentation.

Leadership & Operational Management

• Recruit, recognize, and cultivate high-performing individuals, exposing them to opportunities that build a robust second line of management.
• Identify low performers and provide guidance for improvement or manage their release.
• Ensure fair treatment of all subordinates without discrimination, assessing performance based on planned results.
• Ensure the availability of a delegation of authority matrix to facilitate sufficient delegations in line with company policy.
• Take full responsibility for operations as per the job description and required deliverables, adhering to general company guidelines.
• Anticipate potential problems and implement proactive steps to prevent them.
• Make necessary and proper timely decisions.
• Deliver required results in a timely manner, meeting specified quality and cost standards.
• Contribute significantly to the area of operation and exceed business expectations.
• Translate corporate goals into actionable business plans.
• Plan, follow up on, and execute annual or development plans.
• Monitor plan performance, initiate actions to strengthen results, and take corrective measures as needed.
• Provide periodic work progress reports.
• Monitor and control budgets and expenses to achieve optimum cost efficiency.
• Develop the organizational structure based on current requirements, considering future and development plans.
• Ensure the availability and deployment of job descriptions for all roles.
• Develop and coordinate well-defined written systems, policies, and procedures, seeking automation opportunities where possible.
• Be proficient in and able to navigate IT solutions relevant to the job and business, promoting their full utilization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Academic Qualification: Bachelor's Degree in Ceramic Engineering or a relevant field.
• Work Experience: 4 to 6 years of relevant experience.

Company Values & Operational Standards

• Quality: Operate in alignment with alfanar’s commitment to quality as a prime competitive advantage.
• Adaptation: Demonstrate adaptability to new and alternative techniques, technologies, management structures, and business models.
• Health, Safety and Environment: Ensure a safe, secure, and legal work environment in accordance with standard regulations.