Minimum requirements: DPRI/BSc. degree in Science/Chemistry or equivalent/Diploma (Polymer). Specialist (Research and Development) with experience in Polymer/Compound. 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. Strong management skills. Willing to work some weekends. Responsibilities: The compounder manager will develop new compounds for various on-site departments. This includes belting, hose, SQT, surface protection, and compression moulding. 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.
