Ceramic Tile Production Supervisor Job Vacancy in Chikwawa, Malawi – Building Materials Manufacturing
Job Description
Position:Ceramic Tile Production Supervisor
Company:Saint-Gobain Malawi
Location:Chikwawa, Malawi
Experience:5-7 years
Education:Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field
Employment Type:Full-time
Industry:Building Materials Manufacturing
Department:Production & Operations
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Saint-Gobain, a global leader in light and sustainable construction, operates in Malawi through its dedicated building materials division, Saint-Gobain Malawi. With a heritage spanning over 350 years, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and solutions for the construction, mobility, healthcare, and industrial markets. Our commitment to “Making the World a Better Home” drives our innovation in sustainable and high-performance materials. In Malawi, we are a key player in the construction sector, providing essential building products that enhance living conditions, improve energy efficiency, and drive industrial development. Our Chikwawa facility specializes in the production of high-quality ceramic tiles, serving both the domestic Malawian market and regional export channels. We are dedicated to fostering local talent, implementing world-class manufacturing practices, and contributing to Malawi’s infrastructure growth. This role represents a significant career opportunity in Malawi with a Fortune Global 500 company renowned for its ethical standards, employee development, and long-term vision.
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Ceramic Tile Production Supervisor to oversee daily operations at our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Chikwawa. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of ceramic tiles, managing a team of production technicians, and optimizing processes to meet stringent performance and sustainability targets. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of ceramic manufacturing processes, from raw material preparation and pressing to glazing, firing, and quality inspection. You will be at the heart of our operations, driving productivity, maintaining the highest safety standards, and ensuring our products meet the exacting specifications required for both local and international markets. This position is a cornerstone for our expansion plans in Southern Africa and offers a unique chance to build a lasting career in Malawi within a dynamic industrial environment. For more jobs in Malawi, visit our partner portal.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate all daily activities on the ceramic tile production line, including body preparation, pressing, drying, glazing, and kiln firing.
- Lead, mentor, and schedule a team of production operators and technicians, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor production metrics (yield, efficiency, downtime) and implement corrective actions to meet daily, weekly, and monthly output targets.
- Ensure strict adherence to quality control protocols at every stage of production, collaborating closely with the Quality Assurance department.
- Oversee routine maintenance scheduling and coordinate with the maintenance team to minimize equipment downtime and ensure operational reliability.
- Enforce and promote a zero-incident safety culture, conducting regular safety briefings, audits, and ensuring compliance with all OSHA and company safety standards.
- Manage raw material inventory and consumption, optimizing usage to reduce waste and control production costs.
- Investigate production deviations, non-conformities, and customer complaints, implementing robust root-cause analysis and permanent corrective actions.
- Prepare and submit daily production reports, including data on output, efficiency, waste, and manpower utilization.
- Drive initiatives for process optimization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction in line with Saint-Gobain’s sustainability commitments.
Required Skills
- Proven expertise in ceramic manufacturing processes, kiln operations, and glaze chemistry.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities with a track record of improving team performance.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with proficiency in using production management software and MS Office.
- In-depth knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with cross-functional teams.
- Firm understanding of quality management systems (ISO 9001) and environmental health & safety standards.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Financial acumen to understand production budgets, cost drivers, and efficiency metrics.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Ceramic Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a directly related field is required. A Master’s degree or specialized certifications in production management or lean manufacturing will be considered a strong advantage.
Experience
A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in a ceramic tile, sanitaryware, or related heavy clay products manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity. Experience with modern, automated production lines and digital control systems is essential.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for employee and immediate family.
- Provident fund and retirement planning support.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development and international training.
- Housing allowance or company-provided accommodation.
- Annual leave and paid time off in accordance with company policy.
- Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
Training
- Induction program on Saint-Gobain group values, safety culture, and Malawi operations.
- Specialized technical training on advanced ceramic manufacturing technologies.
- Leadership and management development programs.
- Continuous training in lean manufacturing, quality systems, and digital tools.
- Opportunities for cross-functional and international exposure within the Saint-Gobain network.
Working Environment
You will be based at our modern, thermally efficient manufacturing plant in Chikwawa, which is equipped with the latest technology in ceramic production. The role involves working in a plant environment and requires presence on the production floor. Safety is our utmost priority, and you will be provided with all necessary personal protective equipment. The position may require occasional work outside standard hours to meet production deadlines or address critical operational issues. We foster a collaborative, results-driven, and inclusive work culture where innovation and initiative are highly valued.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications are invited to submit their detailed CV and a cover letter through our official online recruitment portal. The selection process will include a review of applications, technical assessments, and panel interviews. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We encourage all qualified individuals seeking employment in Malawi to apply.
https://botswanajobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-botswana/
Equal Opportunity Statement
Saint-Gobain Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in Malawi without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We are proud to contribute to building a skilled workforce and promoting job vacancies in Malawi that drive industrial growth.
