HOD – Kiln | Somany Ceramics
Location: Dhanot
Department: Manufacturing / Production
Designation: Head – Kiln / HOD Kiln
Role Summary:
Lead and manage the complete kiln operations for ceramic tile manufacturing, ensuring optimum production, quality, energy efficiency, equipment reliability, and adherence to safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead overall kiln operations including firing, temperature control, loading/unloading and process parameters.
Ensure achievement of production targets, quality standards and OEE.
Optimize kiln firing cycles, fuel consumption and energy efficiency.
Monitor and control key parameters such as temperature, pressure, firing curve, speed and atmosphere.
Drive reduction in breakage, rejection, warpage and shade variation.
Coordinate with Body Preparation, Pressing, Glazing, Sorting, Engineering and Quality teams.
Troubleshoot kiln-related process and equipment issues and ensure minimum downtime.
Lead preventive and predictive maintenance activities with the Engineering team.
Analyze production data and implement process improvements and cost-reduction initiatives.
Ensure compliance with EHS, SOPs, quality systems and statutory requirements.
Develop and mentor the kiln operations team and drive productivity improvement.
Implement Lean / TPM / Kaizen initiatives for continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile:
15–22 years of experience in ceramic tile manufacturing, with strong expertise in kiln operations.
Experience handling high-capacity continuous roller kilns in a large tile manufacturing plant.
Strong knowledge of firing technology, kiln automation, burners, refractory systems and fuel optimization.
Experience in GVT/PGVT, double charge, glazed/vitrified tiles will be preferred.
Strong exposure to production planning, quality improvement, OEE and energy management.
Should have experience managing a sizeable production team at HOD / Senior Manager / AGM / GM level.
Ceramic Tiles / Vitrified Tiles manufacturing background is mandatory.