Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us.

Knauf Insulation is proud to be part of the Knauf Group, a global manufacturer of construction materials. Our division is approaching 50 years of heritage in manufacturing insulation, with a growing global reach in 40 countries and ambitious goals for the future. We are looking for passionate, ambitious people to join our 6,000-strong team and help us achieve these goals. We are all led by the same core values and believe in the powerful potential of large companies to have a positive impact on the world.

The expansion of the Process Development Department means we are now looking to recruit a Melting & Glass Development Manager in Visé (BE) or in St Helens (UK), reporting to our Process Development Director.

Can you say ‘yes’?...

• Would you like to develop and implement ideas for improvement or cost reduction in all areas of the melting process?
• Do you have excellent problem solving / analytical skills?
• Would like to have an impact on Sustainability by implementing measures to improve the energy efficiency and control / reduce emissions?
• Can you adapt to your interlocutors and do you know how to pass on your ideas in a constructive, striking and benevolent way?

As Melting & Glass Development Manager, you would standardise, optimise & support melter operation across all Glass Mineral Wool (GMW) plants, in terms of energy efficiency, raw material selection (primarily cullet) & glass composition understanding.

What you’ll be doing:

• Standardize, optimise & support melter & front end operation across all plants, in terms of energy efficiency, raw material selection (primarily cullet) & glass composition understanding.
• Develop and implement ideas for improvement or cost reduction in all areas of the melting process, raw materials and glass compositions.
• Sustainability: Investigate and implement where possible measures to improve the energy efficiency and control / reduce emissions (CO2, NOx, SOx) from the melting process. Support the installation and operation of any control equipment (i.e. desox).
• Develop strategies and define standard protocols to manage the melter / plant operation under both sold out and non-sold out scenarios.
• Ensure required monitoring and appropriate controls are in place in all plants to ensure 100% compliance with RAL / EUCEB certification requirements
• Play a leading role in the development and validation of models of the melter & front end (MBC, CFD, Energy etc.).
• Cullet optimisation: develop a greater understanding of the impact of cullet type / quality / ratio on energy / fiberising process / fibre quality / product quality etc. and build models to optimise in all plants.
• Develop a greater understanding of the impact of glass chemistry on energy and fibre / product quality and optimise as appropriate.
• Support the design, commissioning, startup and operation of any new plants, plant upgrades and major modifications.
• Plan and prioritise the various projects within the Melting & Glass Development Department, to ensure that resources are most effectively utilised in meeting the key business objectives.
• Plan, implement and supervise process trials either in laboratories or in the factory.
• Liaise with plant people at all levels to implement process controls and devise methods of assessment of the production process.
• Provide technical assistance and support to all European plants on all aspects of the melting & batch/glass process
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; produce regular technical and operational reports; briefing of colleagues; and deliver presentations to senior management or other customers.

We are interested in you as a person; your attitude, behaviours and values. As long as you have the willingness to learn anything you need for the role that you don't already have, we'd love to speak to you.

What we’d love for you to have:

• Degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
• At least 5 years industrial experience in an area of melting process development / optimisation
• Experience with project management
• Experience with Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing techniques
• Good oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Excellent working knowledge of MS Office / statistical software / databases
• Ability to meet deadlines / work under pressure / deal with changing priorities
• Financial budgeting / working within financial constraints
• Fluent in English
• Willingness to travel (up to 30%)

If you have experience in the following areas – this is an added advantage:

• Glass chemistry knowledge
• CFD or other numerical (e.g. statistical or physics) modelling
• Fluent in German or French

We will provide:

As this is a central, international position, the package and associated benefits will be those of the contract's host country. Our common criterion was to build a comprehensive salary package that stands out in the market.

On top of that, a dedicated time for personal development and potential for leadership training will be provided.

What happens next?

We appreciate that your time is precious and applying for a new job can be a lengthy process - so we have committed to replying to your application within five working days.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) reinforces our Knauf Insulation values of Making Tomorrow a Home for all of us. We are committed to creating a workplace where we all can thrive, whoever we are, and inspiring a culture of inclusion and innovation that will drive future business success. We do our best to make sure being at work feels like home. To learn more about our business and culture go here (People & Culture - Knauf Insulation Western Europe)

If there are any other ways that you need to receive this job information, please contact us on alice.haas@knaufinsulation.com.