Plant Compounder

Position Summary

Main job functions

Technical control of production rubber compounds, factory mixing and processing, hose and product application and ex-service evaluation.

Principle Accountabilities

Duties, Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Health & Safety

Contribute to maintaining a safe working environment within Operations, and compliance with safe systems of work, procedures, and statutory regulations.

Report accidents and hazards, assist in the investigation into root cause and take appropriate action to prevent recurrence.

Actively participate in the review and development of safety improvements within the mixing processes and other areas of the business.

Evaluation and control of material with regards to ContiTech procedures, REACH and COSHH legislation requirements and safe handling and use within the Mixing and Calendering processes.

People

Liaise with Production, Process Control, Quality, Engineering, Technical, Health & Safety and Purchasing departments as necessary for the provision of both technical and practical support for the Mixing and Calendering operation and compound applications.

Quality

Ensure the QA procedures for production Compound Development, Laboratory quality control and Laboratory equipment calibration are maintained up to date in accordance with DOM and ContiTech QA requirements.

Maintain control of the Zeppelin system weighing and mixing specifications, in accordance with latest authorised issues.

Actively participate in the development of improved QA Management Systems for compound mixing department materials control, including maintaining and reporting of KPI’s.

Process

Monitor production trends and provide process control input into the mixing operations.

Provide timely corrective action instruction for out of specification compound, or material ingredient queries in accordance with procedure.

Maintain effective operation of the laboratory to ensure the equipment capability remains within the boundaries defined by the QC Procedures and specifications.

Be a Champion for Continental Business System improvement projects related to the mixing and calendering operations.

Evaluation and approval of bought in compounds in liaison with Production and Purchasing departments.

Maintenance of in-house mixing specifications within allowed boundary conditions for raw material exchange and process.

Technical support

Assist the Sales and Technical departments with Compounding and Materials expertise and potential scopes of work in the evaluation of compound selection and performance, potential application reviews and customer complaints.

Compile programs and schedules for Compound development requirements in accordance with documented terms of reference and agreed schedules.

Provide technical support to the extrusion and calendaring processes.

Carry out the job requirements in full compliance with the Code of Conduct.

Support and demonstrate the '4 Values' and associated 'behaviours' in carrying out your duties and responsibilities.

Experience Required

A minimum of five years development experience in a high value, batch manufacturing environment, including practical hands-on experience with all aspect of the mixing operation.

This should include two years experience in a compound testing/evaluation role & the ability to operate all aspects of the small-scale lab mixing facilities.

Knowledge and experience of rubber extrusion and calendaring (with and without reinforcements) would be beneficial.

Qualifications

A Minimum degree level qualification (BSc) in Polymer science or equivalent.

High level of computer literacy (MS Office).

Good Verbal / written communications skills - at all levels of the business.

Knowledge Required

Full working knowledge of Mixing and Calendering operations.

Full working knowledge of Mixer control systems.

Full working knowledge of Compound Testing systems, methods and applicable standards.

Knowledge of a variety of management/analysis tools, particularly SPC & FED etc.

Competitive pension Scheme

On site gym

26 days holidays plus bank holidays(pro rata for part time and shift workers)

On site subsidized canteen

Cycle to Work Scheme

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.

Dunlop Oil & Marine is a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of hoses for the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, for both offshore and onshore based operations.

Keyfacts