Deputy Manager / Assistant Manager LRF & VD Operation

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage smooth and safe operation of LRF and VD equipment for secondary refining of molten steel.
• Control temperature, alloy additions, slag composition, and stirring parameters to meet chemical and inclusion requirements.
• Monitor argon purging, vacuum cycles, and degassing duration as per specific grade standards.
• Plan and coordinate ladle movement between EAF, LRF, VD, and Caster to minimize heat loss and delays.
• Achieve production goals optimally managing power consumption, electrode usage, and ferro-alloy application.
• Maintain accurate recording and analysis of heat-wise operational parameters including power-on times, cycle durations, and deviations.
• Ensure metallurgical standards in steel chemistry and cleanliness including inclusion control, desulphurization, and hydrogen removal.
• Liaise closely with Quality Control laboratories for timely sample testing and corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for LRF and VD operations.
• Coordinate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation teams to maintain equipment reliability and availability.
• Monitor and maintain critical systems such as power supply, vacuum pumps, transformers, ladle tilting, roof movement, and alloy feeding systems.
• Report and resolve equipment abnormalities; support maintenance shutdowns and reliability improvements.
• Adhere strictly to safety policies including PPE use, hot metal handling, and pre-job safety checks.
• Maintain cleanliness and manage proper refractory handling in working areas.
• Comply with environmental regulations regarding fume extraction, dust collection, and slag disposal.
• Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities in process efficiency and cost reduction.
• Participate in root cause analyses for process delays, power trips, heat rejections, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead or contribute to continuous improvement projects based on Kaizen, TPM, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Support automation and digitization initiatives within the Steel Melting Shop.
• Coordinate with upstream EAF and downstream Caster, Refractory, and Maintenance teams for smooth workflow.
• Maintain heat logs, shift reports, and production summaries; prepare documentation for audits and management reviews.
• Lead and mentor engineers, supervisors, and operational staff; manage manpower planning and skill development.
• Conduct training on process parameters, safety precautions, and emergency handling procedures.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence within the LRF/VD team.

Preferred candidate profile

Qualifications & Experience

• B.E./B.Tech in Metallurgical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

• Assistant Manager: 6 to 10 years experience in LRF/VD operations in integrated steel plants.
• Deputy Manager: 10 to 14 years experience working in Steel Melting Shop with emphasis on secondary metallurgy process control and leadership.
• Experience in Integrated Steel or Alloy Steel Plants handling secondary refining units.