Batch & Furnace Leader at AGY Holding Corp – Aiken, South Carolina

Job Overview:

The Batch and Furnace Area Leader plays a critical role in overseeing the daily operations of the batch preparation and furnace melting areas in our glass manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring that raw materials are mixed according to precise formulations and that the furnace is operated efficiently to produce high-quality molten glass. The Area Leader will be responsible for maintaining safety standards, optimizing operational processes, and leading a team of supervisors, engineers, operators and technicians to achieve production targets. This position will be hands-on as well as supervisory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management:
  • Be engaged with the entire batch and furnace operation, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards.
  • Be engaged with the batch preparation process, ensuring accurate measurement, mixing, and handling of raw materials.
  • Engage in and supervise furnace operations, including temperature control, glass melting, and refining processes.
  • Coordinate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure the glass produced meets the required specifications.
• Team Leadership:
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of operators, technicians, and other personnel in the batch and furnace areas.
  • Conduct regular training sessions for team members on safety, operational procedures, and new technologies.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team members to contribute ideas for process enhancements.
• Process Optimization:
  • Identify and implement opportunities for improving the efficiency of batch preparation and furnace operations.
  • Collaborate with the engineering and maintenance teams to address equipment issues, optimize energy usage, and reduce downtime.
  • Utilize data and metrics to monitor and analyze process performance, making adjustments as needed to maintain optimal operations.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Ensure that all operations in the batch and furnace areas comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure that all team members are trained and compliant.
• Inventory and Resource Management:
  • Manage the inventory of raw materials, ensuring that adequate supplies are available to meet production needs.
  • Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and replacement parts.
  • Monitor the consumption of resources such as energy and raw materials, implementing cost-saving initiatives where possible.
• Communication and Reporting:
  • Provide regular updates to the Production Manager on the status of batch and furnace operations, including any issues or deviations from the production plan.
  • Prepare and submit reports on key performance indicators (KPIs), including production output, quality, safety incidents, and downtime.
  • Liaise with other departments, including Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics, to ensure smooth coordination across the production process.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Equivalent experience in glass manufacturing may be considered.
• Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in glass manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role in batch and furnace operations.
  • Proven track record of managing a team and improving operational efficiency.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of glass manufacturing processes, particularly in batch preparation and furnace operations.
  • Familiarity with process control systems, furnace technology, and raw material handling.
  • Proficient in using production management software and data analysis tools.
• Leadership Skills:
  • Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to make quick decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Communication Skills:
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to a diverse audience.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to high temperatures, noise, and heavy machinery.
• Capability to stand, walk, and move around the plant for extended periods.
• Willingness to work on a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by production demands.
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.