Quality Head India - Refractory Industry

Candidates with minimum 5 years experience in refractories or allied steel / cement industries are preferable.

Role Overview

The Head of Quality will lead and drive quality strategy across all manufacturing and operational sites in India. The role encompasses quality assurance, quality control, systems improvement, and customer satisfaction initiatives within the refractories sector serving industries like steel, cement, glass, and non-ferrous metals.

Role & responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality strategies aligned with global standards and local compliance
• Oversee QA/QC across all plants and project sites; ensure refractory products meet stringent performance benchmarks
• Monitor key quality metrics; establish systems for root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Lead process audits (ISO, internal, external) and certification efforts (ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001)
• Collaborate with operations, R&D, and engineering teams to integrate quality into design and manufacturing
• Manage supplier quality, material testing protocols, and customer complaint resolution
• Build and lead a strong quality team; mentor and upskill professionals across all locations
• Present quality performance dashboards to senior leadership and global stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors/Master’s in Ceramic Engineering, Material Science, or related fields
• Relevant Minimum experience 15–20 years in QA/QC roles within refractories or allied steel / cement industry
• Strong knowledge of refractory materials, thermal performance testing, lining installations, and failure modes
• Proven expertise in driving ISO systems, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and advanced process controls
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills at multi plants / Location

Desired Traits

• Strategic thinker with hands-on leadership
• Ability to drive change and foster a culture of quality across complex operations
• Familiarity with domestic and international refractory standards
• Strong problem-solving, data-driven decision-making mindset

Key Skills & Competencies

• QMS Expertise

  : Deep understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including implementation, auditing, and certification under ISO standards

• Lead from the Front

  : Proven ability to take initiative, drive change, and inspire cross-functional teams by setting a high personal performance standard

• People Management

  : Strong experience in leading, mentoring, and developing diverse quality teams across manufacturing units and regions

• Process Improvement

  : Skilled in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies

• Technical Acumen

  : In-depth knowledge of refractory materials, product testing, and performance analytics

• Stakeholder Engagement

  : Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work closely with internal teams and external partners

• Strategic Thinking

  : Ability to align quality goals with broader business objectives and long-term operational strategy