1. Strategic Refractory Management:
- Formulate and implement long-term refractory management strategy aligned with production and cost goals.
- Plan and execute refractory lining schedules for all SMS units (EAF, LF, VD, CCM, Ladles, and Tundish).
- Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality standards for refractory work.
- Ensure optimum refractory performance, life, and cost per ton of liquid steel.
- Drive initiatives for import substitution, life enhancement, and cost reduction through material and process optimization.
2. Performance Monitoring & Optimization:
- Monitor refractory performance indices (life, wear rate, and consumption) across all plant units.
- Analyze slag chemistry, metal temperature, and process conditions impacting refractory wear.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for refractory failures and implement corrective actions.
- Evaluate new refractory designs and materials through trials and collaborate with R&D and suppliers.
- Benchmark refractory KPIs with industry best practices and ensure continuous improvement.
3. Material Planning, Procurement & Vendor Management:
- Prepare annual refractory requirement and consumption budget based on production forecasts.
- Finalize technical specifications for refractory procurement in collaboration with the purchase department.
- Conduct vendor evaluation, qualification, and performance reviews for refractory suppliers and contractors.
- Monitor inventory levels, ensuring optimum stock and avoiding shortages or overstocking.
- Review and approve inspection reports for refractory materials before acceptance and usage.
4. Project Execution & Technical Support:
- Lead refractory planning and execution during shutdowns, commissioning, and revamp projects.
- Ensure timely completion of relining, gunning, fettling, and baking activities as per schedule.
- Supervise refractory installation in furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and CCM to ensure adherence to design specifications.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and operations teams for smooth refractory-related activities.
- Provide technical support for process modifications, design changes, and new equipment trials.
5. Cost Control & Optimization:
- Drive initiatives to reduce specific refractory consumption and overall refractory cost per ton of liquid steel.
- Analyze cost trends and identify opportunities for local sourcing, material substitution, and efficiency improvement.
- Implement Refractory Cost Control Programs (RCCP) to optimize performance and expenditures.
- Prepare and review monthly and annual refractory cost reports against budget targets.
6. Safety, Quality & Compliance:
- Enforce strict compliance with safety procedures in refractory handling, installation, and hot repair work.
- Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and toolbox meetings for refractory teams and contractors.
- Ensure quality assurance of refractory materials and installation practices as per technical standards.
- Promote adherence to 5S, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems.
- Ensure safe disposal and recycling of used refractory materials as per environmental norms.
7. Documentation, Analysis & Reporting:
- Review and approve daily refractory performance and consumption reports from operations.
- Maintain life charts, refractory performance dashboards, and equipment- wise refractory history.
- Prepare management reports, technical presentations, and budget variance analyses.
- Support technical audits, ISO documentation, and management review meetings.
8. Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, and supervisors.
- Define KPIs and performance targets for team members.
- Drive training and skill enhancement in refractory technology, installation, and safety practices.
- Encourage innovation, accountability, and continuous learning within the team.
- Ensure effective contractor management and workforce discipline.
Qualifications & Experience:
Education:
- B.E. / B.Tech in Ceramic / Metallurgical / Mechanical Engineering
Experience:
- DGM: 18–22 years of experience in refractory management within an integrated steel plant.
- Proven expertise in refractory operations of EAF, LF, VD, CCM, Ladles, and Tundish systems.
- Hands-on experience in vendor management, cost control, and performance optimization.
Key Skills & Competencies:
- Strong technical expertise in refractory design, installation, and performance analysis.
- In-depth understanding of steelmaking and continuous casting processes.
- Sound knowledge of refractory–slag–metal interactions and wear mechanisms.
- Proficiency in cost management, budgeting, and vendor negotiation.
- Leadership capability with strategic planning and execution skills.
- Data-driven decision-making and analytical ability.
- Excellent communication, coordination, and reporting skills.
- Working knowledge of SAP (PM/MM), MS Office, and maintenance management systems.
- Strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.