Technical Manager - A & C at HBM Nigeria Plc (Formerly Lafarge)

Role Purpose

To effectively manage concrete quality procedures and analyses of QC Results, implement the quality manual, cost savings and concrete performance, innovative mix designs and raw materials selection; and manage product-related customer claims

Health & Safety

• Ensure that all equipment and processes meet the HBM Safety Roadmap and guidelines.
• Actively engage with the workforce to reinforce safe behaviours across all A&C plant jobsites, with VFL visits to plants and/or offices at least once a month to assess H&S compliance and document the findings in a visit report.
• Select and champion at least one important A&C safety action item, in consultation with the A&C HSE Manager and Head of A&C.
• Lead CCM verification on at least one assigned PUE.

Optimization of Mix Design and Raw Material Costs

• Select, characterize and validate raw material sources.
• Prepare mix designs according to specifications and applicable standards.
• Ensure the implementation of supplier raw material agreements.
• Ensure the implementation and correct use of relevant IT programmes, including:
  • Quality control of raw materials and new mix designs.
  • Management of concrete test results.
  • Management of the mix design database.

Management of Product Development and Technical Assistance to Customers

In coordination with the Regional Manager and Sales Manager:

• Provide technical support to sales teams, including site assistance and follow-up on customer complaints.
• Minimise the consequences of and contribute to the management of product-related customer claims.
• Provide technical support for the development and management of Value-Added Products (VAPs).

Implementation and Management of Quality Policy

• Ensure compliance with technical certification requirements and the applicable regulatory environment.
• Implement the quality manual and quality procedures.
• Analyse QC results and track KPIs for concrete and raw materials to identify and implement corrective measures.

Performance Management

• Monitor raw material management from sale through to consumption.
• Follow up on all plant benchmarks and take appropriate actions.
• Conduct statistical analysis of produced and delivered ready-mix concrete.

Long-Term Goals

• Maintain mix design costs at an optimal level while ensuring good quality and high customer satisfaction.
• Achieve a high level of VAP range and volumes produced within the area, with high consistency and the lowest possible cost.

Learning & Development

• Ensure the required competencies of direct reports are developed and maintained.
• Ensure that the Quality Control organisation and processes remain fully aligned with the evolution of the business.
• Develop and agree on training and development plans for A&C Quality Control staff.

Requirements

Critical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of concrete technology, mix design and raw material optimisation.
• Strong knowledge of quality management and quality control within a ready-mix concrete environment.
• Good understanding of concrete production operations, including raw material management, production processes and plant operations.
• Strong understanding of financial and cost management, particularly mix design optimisation, raw material costs and operational efficiency.
• Good understanding of commercial principles and customer requirements within the ready-mix concrete business.
• Knowledge of technical standards, quality requirements and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong technical and operational leadership skills.

Critical Experience

• 10–15 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 5 years at senior management level in a similar environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong technical and operational experience within a ready-mix concrete, construction materials or related environment.
• Demonstrated experience in mix design optimisation, raw material management, quality control and cost optimisation.
• Experience in leading technical/quality teams and managing cross-functional stakeholders.

Educational Qualification & Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Chemical Engineering.
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification would be an added advantage.
• Mobility within the country is required.