Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Refractory Management

- Develop and execute long-term refractory management strategies aligned with production and cost objectives.
- Plan and manage refractory lining and relining schedules for all SMS units.
- Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality standards for refractory installation and maintenance.
- Drive initiatives for import substitution, life enhancement, and cost reduction through material and process optimization.

1. Performance Monitoring and Optimization

- Monitor refractory performance indices such as life, wear rate, and consumption across SMS units.
- Analyze process parameters including slag chemistry and metal temperature to assess impact on refractory wear.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for refractory failures and implement corrective actions.
- Evaluate current refractory designs and materials through trials and collaborate with Research & Development and suppliers.
- Benchmark refractory KPIs against industry best practices to ensure continuous improvement.

1. Material Planning, Procurement & Vendor Management

- Prepare annual refractory consumption forecasts and budgets based on production plans.
- Finalize technical specifications and lead procurement activities in collaboration with the purchasing department.
- Evaluate, qualify, and review performance of refractory suppliers and contractors.
- Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock, avoiding shortages or overstocking.
- Review and approve inspection reports for refractory materials prior to usage.

1. Project Execution & Technical Support

- Lead refractory activities during shutdowns, commissioning, and revamps to ensure timely and efficient operations.
- Supervise refractory installation works in furnaces, ladles, tundishes, and CCMs, ensuring compliance with design specs.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and operations teams for seamless refractory-related activities.
- Provide technical support for process improvements, design revisions,



and new equipment trials.

1. Cost Control & Optimization

- Drive refractory cost management programs to optimize expenditures per ton of liquid steel.
- Analyze cost trends; pursue local sourcing, material substitution, and efficiency improvements.
- Prepare and review refractory cost reports against budgetary targets regularly.

1. Safety & Quality Compliance

- Enforce strict compliance with safety procedures during refractory handling, installation, and hot repairs.
- Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and toolbox meetings for refractory teams and contractors.
- Ensure stringent quality assurance for refractory materials and installation practices meeting technical standards.
- Promote adherence to 5S, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems.
- Manage safe disposal and recycling of used refractory materials adhering to environmental norms.

1. Documentation, Analysis & Reporting

- Approve daily refractory performance and consumption reports.
- Maintain life cycle charts, refractory dashboards, and equipment-wise refractory histories.
- Prepare management reports, presentations, and budget variance analyses.
- Support technical audits, ISO documentation, and management review meetings.

1. Leadership & Team Development

- Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of managers, engineers, and supervisors.
- Define KPIs and performance expectations for team members.
- Drive training and skill development in refractory technology and safety practices.
- Foster innovation, accountability, and continuous learning within the refractory team.
- Manage contractors and maintain discipline and productivity in workforce deployment.

Preferred candidate profile

Qualifications and Experience

- B.E./B.Tech in Ceramic, Metallurgical, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 18-22 years of experience in refractory management within integrated steel plants.
- Proven expertise in refractory operations for EAF, LF, VD, CCM, Ladles, and Tundish systems.
- Significant experience in vendor management, cost control, and performance optimization.

📌 Deputy General Manager (DGM) Refractory (Delhi)
🏢 Sarthee Consultancy
📍 Delhi