General Manager - Rubber Compounding

Key Responsibilities:

Material Development:

- Develop new rubber compounds and formulations to meet specific performance criteria and international and industrial specifications including BIS, SAE, EN, and ISO.

- Lead development activities focusing on NBR, as well as specialized polymers such as SBR, BR, EPDM, CR, CSM, NBR/PVC, CPE, HNBR, and FKM.

- Drive formulation innovation to enhance product durability, processability, and customer - specific performance requirements.

- Support the development of next - generation compounds aligned with evolving market and regulatory requirements.

Testing and Analysis:

- Establish and institutionalize a rigorous test regime that ensures all new compounds or changes are independently validated against required parameters before being released to production.

- Interpret test data and performance results to assess formulation effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.

- Establish testing protocols and ensure adherence to industry standards and customer specifications.

- Implement a data - driven approach to testing by establishing baselines with existing compounds to quantifiably prove the improvement (e.g., 30 - 40% better) of new developments.

Process Optimization:

- Lead initiatives to optimize mixing, extrusion, curing, and downstream processing parameters for improved productivity and consistency.

- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve compound processability, reduce cycle times, and enhance operational efficiency.

- Drive cost optimization through formulation rationalization, material substitution, and yield improvement programs.

- Implement best practices in compounding and processing to maximize plant performance and product quality.

Quality Control:

- Provide complete oversight of the NABL lab and its personnel, ensuring all testing aligns with global standards such as ASTM and BIS.

- Define quality standards, specifications, and acceptance criteria for all compounding operations.

- Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and internal quality management systems.

- Monitor key quality indicators and lead corrective and preventive actions to address deviations.

Troubleshooting:

- Provide technical leadership in resolving compound, processing, and product performance - related issues.

- Conduct root cause analysis of manufacturing defects, customer complaints, and quality concerns.

- Develop and implement corrective measures to eliminate recurring process and product issues.

- Support plant operations during critical production challenges and product validation activities.

- Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations related to rubber production.

Documentation:

- Ensure accurate maintenance of formulation records, technical specifications, development reports, and validation documents.

- Develop and standardize operating procedures, testing methodologies, and quality documentation.

- Prepare technical reports and presentations for management reviews, audits, customer interactions, and project updates.

- Maintain intellectual property, formulation databases, and technical knowledge repositories.

Collaboration:

- Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Procurement, Supply chain, Engineering, and R&D teams to achieve business objectives.

- Partner with customers to understand technical requirements and provide application - focused solutions.

- Mentor and develop technical teams, fostering a culture of innovation, learning, and operational excellence.

Innovation:

- Drive R&D initiatives focused on new compound development, product enhancement, and emerging material technologies.

- Identify opportunities for sustainable and environmentally responsible formulations.

- Benchmark industry trends, competitor technologies, and advancements in rubber to strengthen competitive advantage.

- Lead strategic innovation projects that contribute to business growth, product differentiation, and long - term technology leadership.

Qualification:

- Education: A Bachelors degree in Polymer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

- Masters degree is preferred.

Past Experience:

- Experience: 15+ years in rubber technology, formulation and testing.

- Proficient in using testing equipment and software related to rubber analysis.

- Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.

- Exposure and experience of working with natural and synthetic rubber.