Purpose:

The Factory Technical Manager is responsible for leading all activities required to ensure delivery of quality products as detailed in the relevant procedures and specifications.

Key Performance Areas:

• Ensure that all products (raw materials and/or materials manufactured) are tested timeously and meet the required QC specifications as specified by Research & Development before being released onto the market.
• Oversee and ensure that results are captured timeously and accurately.
• Ensure that the sample inventory is managed, and that process orders are released from quality inspection timeously.
• Responsible for addressing any technical issues raised by Axalta on the company system.
• Responsible for alignment of new recipes issued by Axalta for the SB manufacturing plant
• Monitors the performance of staff and gives support to ensure that team objectives are achieved
• Contributes towards the budgeting for the QC laboratory requirements.
• Responsible for compiling the time keeping information on SAP Time and Attendance Module system and completing exceptions, overtime etc.
• Ensures that QC laboratory facilities housekeeping and process related standards are maintained at high standards.
• Coordinate and ensure the maintenance of standards/reference materials/databases in the laboratory (with correct identifiers, and according to the relevant protocol).
• Ensure the necessary equipment/consumables back-ups are calibrated and in good working order to support production.
• Coordinate the creation and release of the batch test certificates on time and in compliance to agreed specifications.
• Monitors and reports all relevant QC statistics and report daily, weekly and monthly statistics as required by the Head of Technical and/or Site Manager.
• Analyses batch amendment trends and recommend to the R&D team for permanent changes to the formulation
• Conducts problem solving and root cause analysis on objectives (KPIs, customer complaints, QC trends etc.) not following the desired trend.
• Initiates and coordinates the recall of non-conforming batches and investigates works off routes.
• Coordinates and assists with investigation, documentation and feedback of customer complaints within the allocated time-frame on the HEAT system.
• Analysis recipe, process and equipment to recommend continual improvement to achieve strategic efficiency plans.
• Liaises with Procurement in preparing feedback to suppliers on all non-conforming raw material deliveries as per laid down procedures.
• Ensure there is a traceable system in place for maintenance of all appropriate records including test results, retained samples, batch cards, draw-downs, brush-outs etc.
• Identify and assist with the improvement of test methods and SOPs.
  

• 5 Years’ experience in a chemical/paint laboratory; with 3 years management/supervisory as well as formulating experience; ideal to have completed a management development program.
• Knowledge of Paint formulation and Paint manufacturing processes
• Experience using SPC (Statistical Process Control) to improve processes.  Excellent communication (Written & Verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Good understanding of operational and quality management processes (manufacturing, HR, action request, risk assessment, document management & complaints management).
• Operation of all relevant QC and Colour equipment, software & processes.  Good knowledge of colour and ability to help with colour adjustments.
• Excellent MS Office (Excel and Word) skills.
• Able to apply Plant health and safety protocol to the workplace to ensure compliance.  Excellent problem solving & time management skills.
• Relationship building/networking skills.
• People management and leadership skills (achieving through others, strong coaching and empowering).  Technical Report Writing, Reading and Correction Skills, able to interpret and scrutinize results.
• Data compilation from SAP/equivalent and excellent ability to analyze/scrutinize/interpret data; able to identify trends and make decisions.
• Excellent assertive skills

• BSC in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (ideal MSc in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering
• Customer Insight and Focus - maintains customer satisfaction ensuring high quality products and services offered by the organization
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to strengthen the team by continuously developing and empowering the staff  Emotionally intelligent
• Ability to collate and organize data, analyze information, draw conclusions and make noteworthy recommendations for improved performance.
• Accountability, Flexibility & Dependability - takes responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Attention to detail - quality approach to everything that is taken on
• Able to work independently and under pressure, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines whilst improving QC dwell times.
• Results Focus - focus on results and desired outcome and how to best achieve them.