Role Purpose
Lead and manage end-to-end polishing, squaring, nano coating and finishing operations to achieve consistent surface finish, dimensional accuracy, high first-quality output, optimum machine utilization and cost efficiency. The role will be responsible for process control, defect reduction, productivity improvement, equipment coordination, manpower management and continuous improvement across finishing operations.
Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations Excellence
Manage end-to-end polishing and squaring operations to achieve daily and shift-wise production targets while maintaining defined quality standards.
Plan manpower, production priorities and shift activities to ensure smooth and uninterrupted line operations.
Monitor key KPIs including production output, line speed, machine utilization, first-quality yield, rejection, rework, downtime and productivity.
Ensure optimum utilization of polishing and squaring equipment and coordinate with Maintenance/Engineering for breakdown resolution and equipment improvement.
Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve throughput and operational efficiency.
Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, process parameters, work instructions, safety standards and 5S practices.
Polishing Process & Surface Finish Control
Control and optimize polishing parameters, machine settings, abrasive selection and grit sequences based on tile type, surface characteristics and required finish.
Ensure consistency in gloss, smoothness, surface uniformity, flatness and visual appearance across production batches.
Monitor and control defects including waviness, miss polish, dull polish, scratches, chipping, print wash and other surface-related defects.
Conduct root cause analysis for recurring defects and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
Monitor abrasive and tooling conditions and ensure timely replacement to maintain consistent process performance.
Drive improvements in first-quality yield through systematic process monitoring and defect reduction.
Squaring Operations
Manage squaring operations to achieve required size accuracy, dimensional consistency, straightness and diagonal accuracy.
Monitor squaring heads, spindles, tools, alignment and critical process parameters.
Control defects including chipping, wrong size, taper, diagonal variation and cross-cutting defects.
Ensure correct machine settings and tool conditions according to tile specifications and production requirements.
Coordinate with Quality and Maintenance teams to resolve dimensional and edge-quality issues.
Nano Coating & Surface Treatment
Monitor nano coating and surface treatment processes to ensure uniform application and consistent surface performance.
Control process parameters to minimize stickiness, dull spots, chemical marks/staining, uneven application, chemical residue, excessive heat and incomplete pore sealing.
Ensure consistent surface finish and gloss uniformity through effective process monitoring and corrective actions.
Support trials and optimization of surface treatment chemicals and process parameters for new finishes.
Quality Management & Continuous Improvement
Work closely with QA/QC teams to establish and maintain process and product quality standards.
Analyze rejection, rework and defect trends and implement effective CAPA.
Improve first-pass yield while reducing wastage, rejection and customer-relevant surface and dimensional defects.
Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, visual management and structured problem-solving practices.
Drive process standardization, automation and technology improvement initiatives within finishing operations.
Participate in new product and new surface development trials.
Cost & Resource Optimization
Optimize consumption of abrasives, tools, chemicals, power and other production consumables.
Monitor process losses, rejection, rework and consumable costs and implement cost-reduction measures.
Improve machine productivity and resource utilization without compromising product quality.
Evaluate and support implementation of improved abrasives, tooling, chemicals and polishing technologies.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, supervise and develop operators, technicians, supervisors and other shop-floor personnel.
Plan manpower deployment and shift-wise allocation based on production priorities.
Develop team capability in polishing, squaring, defect identification, machine operation and process control.
Promote a disciplined, safety-conscious and performance-oriented shop-floor culture.
Conduct regular performance reviews, skill assessments and on-the-job training.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Production Planning, Stores and other plant functions for uninterrupted operations.
Work with Maintenance/Engineering teams on preventive maintenance, breakdown resolution, machine setting and equipment improvement.
Coordinate with Stores to ensure timely availability of abrasives, tools, chemicals and other critical consumables.
Support production trials, new product introductions and process parameter development.
Reporting & Analytics
Maintain accurate daily production reports, shift logs, rejection reports, downtime records and consumable usage data.
Track production and quality KPIs and identify deviations from target.
Prepare regular MIS and communicate key operational issues, corrective actions and improvement progress to plant management.
Use ERP/MIS, MS Excel and production monitoring systems for data analysis and decision-making.
Role Specifications
Experience: 8–12 years of relevant experience in ceramic/tile manufacturing, with strong hands-on exposure to polishing and squaring operations.
Education: Diploma / B.Tech in Mechanical, Ceramics or relevant technical discipline.
Industry: Tiles / Ceramics / Vitrified Tile Manufacturing.
Product Exposure: GVT, PGVT, Full Body and High Glossy tiles preferred.
Process Exposure: Polishing, squaring, nano coating/surface treatment and finishing operations.
Technical Exposure: Polishing and squaring machines, abrasives, tooling, grit sequences, machine settings and process parameters.
Tools: ERP/MIS, MS Excel and production/process monitoring systems.
Shift Flexibility: Willingness to work in rotational shifts and manage shop-floor operations as required.
Location: Morbi, Gujarat.
Desired Candidate Profile
Strong hands-on expertise in ceramic/vitrified tile polishing and squaring processes.
Sound knowledge of polishing machines, abrasives, grit sequences, tools, machine settings and process parameters.
Strong understanding of surface, dimensional and edge-quality defects and their root causes.
Proven ability to improve productivity, first-quality yield and machine utilization while reducing rejection, rework and consumable costs.
Experience in handling production teams and managing shop-floor operations in a continuous manufacturing environment.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical and structured problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret production and quality data and convert insights into actionable improvements.
Strong cross-functional coordination skills with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering and Stores.
Safety-conscious approach with strong adherence to SOPs, 5S and plant discipline.