Job Purpose
The Production Lab & GPS Section Manager is responsible for managing production laboratory and glaze preparation activities within a ceramics manufacturing environment in Saudi Arabia. The role focuses on raw material testing, glaze formulation, quality control, production process optimization, product development, and team management to maintain consistent product quality and achieve production targets.
Key Responsibilities
Production Laboratory Management
- Manage day-to-day laboratory activities related to raw material analysis, chemical testing, and production quality evaluation.
- Supervise laboratory testing to verify the quality and suitability of raw materials used in ceramic production.
- Develop and implement testing procedures for new raw materials, formulations, and production processes.
- Investigate laboratory results and provide recommendations to address production quality issues.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and available for required testing activities.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, test results, and quality documentation.
Glaze Preparation & Formulation
- Manage glaze preparation, formulation, mixing, and application processes for ceramic production.
- Develop and maintain glaze recipes and process parameters according to product specifications.
- Work with R&D and design teams on new glaze effects, finishes, colors, and ceramic product development.
- Monitor glaze performance throughout production and identify technical issues requiring corrective action.
- Troubleshoot glaze-related problems and recommend appropriate process adjustments.
- Ensure accurate documentation and control of glaze formulations and production parameters.
Production Monitoring & Quality Control
- Monitor ceramic production processes to identify shade variations, glaze defects, and other quality deviations.
- Analyze production results and implement corrective actions when process deviations occur.
- Obtain required technical approval before implementing significant product or process changes in commercial production.
- Coordinate with production departments from body preparation through kiln operations regarding new bodies, glazes, trials, and pilot production.
- Ensure approved process parameters and technical specifications are communicated to relevant production teams.
- Monitor pigments, glaze materials, and related raw materials to ensure availability and appropriate usage.
- Regularly review inventory levels for pigments and glaze-related materials.
Product Development & Innovation
- Support the development and testing of new ceramic products, glaze formulations, colors, effects, and finishes.
- Participate in product trials, laboratory testing, pilot runs, and production start-up activities.
- Analyze production and laboratory data to identify opportunities for process improvement and product innovation.
- Collaborate with R&D, production, quality, and design teams to improve ceramic manufacturing processes.
- Evaluate alternative materials, technologies, and production techniques that can improve quality and efficiency.
Process Optimization
- Review production data and laboratory results to identify process variations and improvement opportunities.
- Recommend adjustments to glaze formulations, production parameters, and laboratory procedures where required.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving product quality, production efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
- Promote the effective use of technology and automated systems within laboratory and production activities.
Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare regular reports covering laboratory test results, glaze performance, production quality, and key performance indicators.
- Maintain accurate records of laboratory tests, glaze recipes, production trials, process changes, and corrective actions.
- Document product development activities and pilot production results.
- Participate in internal and external audits and support quality assurance documentation.
- Provide management with periodic reports on operational performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and supervise laboratory and glaze preparation teams to achieve operational and quality targets.
- Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, performance management, and technical knowledge sharing.
- Assign responsibilities effectively and ensure appropriate delegation of tasks.
- Monitor employee performance against agreed objectives and provide guidance for improvement.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, safety awareness, and professional development.
- Support the development of capable team members for future operational responsibilities.
Business Planning & Performance
- Translate organizational objectives into operational plans for laboratory and glaze preparation activities.
- Plan, execute, and monitor annual and development initiatives within the assigned function.
- Track performance against quality, production, cost, and development targets.
- Identify deviations from planned objectives and implement appropriate corrective actions.
- Monitor departmental budgets, expenses, and resource requirements to support cost-efficient operations.
- Provide regular progress and performance reports to management.
Process Improvement & Digital Transformation
- Develop and maintain clear laboratory, glaze preparation, and production-related procedures and work instructions.
- Identify opportunities to automate testing, reporting, inventory monitoring, and production processes.
- Support the implementation and effective use of relevant IT and digital solutions.
- Promote continuous improvement and efficient use of technology across the assigned function.
- Adapt laboratory and production processes to new technologies, techniques, and manufacturing requirements.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain high standards of product quality across laboratory, glaze preparation, and production activities.
- Ensure compliance with company quality policies, procedures, specifications, and manufacturing standards.
- Promote safety awareness and compliance within laboratory and production areas.
- Ensure laboratory and production activities are conducted in a safe, secure, and legally compliant working environment.
- Identify operational risks and implement appropriate preventive and corrective actions.
- Support health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements within the assigned area.
Academic Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Work Experience
- 4–6 years of relevant experience in ceramic manufacturing, production laboratory operations, glaze preparation, quality control, or product development.
- Experience in ceramic glaze formulation, raw material testing, production quality, and process optimization is preferred.
Key Skills
- Ceramic Production
- Production Laboratory Management
- Glaze Preparation
- Glaze Formulation
- Raw Material Testing
- Chemical Testing
- Ceramic Product Development
- Production Quality Control
- Shade Variation Control
- Process Optimization
- Laboratory Equipment Calibration
- Product Testing
- Pilot Production
- Production Data Analysis
- Quality Assurance
- Reporting & Documentation
- Safety Awareness & Compliance
- Team Leadership
- Continuous Improvement