Deputy Manager-Polishing

Role Purpose

Lead and manage end-to-end polishing and squaring operations to achieve consistent surface finish, dimensional accuracy, high first-quality output, optimal machine utilization and cost efficiency. The role will be responsible for process control, defect reduction, productivity improvement, equipment coordination, manpower management and continuous improvement across finishing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Excellence

• Manage end-to-end polishing and squaring operations to achieve daily and shift-wise production targets while maintaining defined quality standards.
• Plan manpower, production priorities and shift activities to ensure smooth and continuous line operations.
• Monitor key production parameters including output, line speed, machine utilization, first-quality yield, rejection, rework and downtime.
• Ensure optimum utilization of polishing and squaring equipment and coordinate with Maintenance/Engineering for timely resolution of breakdowns.
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve throughput and operational efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, process parameters, work instructions and safe operating practices.

Polishing Process & Surface Finish Control

• Control and optimize polishing parameters, machine settings, abrasive selection and grit sequences according to tile type, surface characteristics and required finish.
• Ensure consistent gloss, smoothness, surface uniformity and visual appearance across production batches.
• Monitor and control polishing defects such as waviness, miss polish, dull polish, scratches, chipping and print wash.
• Conduct root cause analysis for recurring polishing defects and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor abrasive/tool condition and replacement requirements to maintain consistent process performance.
• Drive improvements in first-quality output through systematic process monitoring and defect reduction.

Squaring Operations

• Manage squaring processes to achieve required size accuracy, dimensional consistency and diagonal accuracy.
• Monitor squaring heads, spindles, tools, alignment and critical process parameters.
• Control defects including chipping, wrong size, taper, diagonal variation and cross-cutting defects.
• Ensure proper machine setting and tool condition based on tile specifications and production requirements.
• Coordinate with Quality and Maintenance teams to identify and resolve dimensional and edge-quality issues.

Nano Coating & Surface Treatment

• Monitor nano coating and surface treatment processes to maintain uniform application and consistent surface performance.
• Identify and control issues such as stickiness, dull spots, chemical marks/staining, uneven application, chemical residue, excessive heat and incomplete pore sealing.
• Ensure consistent surface finish and gloss uniformity through effective process monitoring and corrective actions.

Quality Management & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with QA/QC teams to establish and maintain process and product quality standards.
• Analyze rejection, rework and defect trends and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive initiatives focused on improving first-pass yield, reducing wastage and minimizing customer-relevant surface and dimensional defects.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing practices including 5S, Kaizen, visual management and structured problem-solving.
• Identify opportunities for process standardization, automation and technology improvements in finishing operations.

Cost & Resource Optimization

• Optimize consumption of abrasives, tools, chemicals, power and other production consumables.
• Monitor process losses, rework and rejection costs and initiate improvement measures.
• Improve machine productivity and resource utilization without compromising product quality.
• Support evaluation and implementation of improved polishing tools, abrasives and process technologies.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, supervise and develop operators, technicians, supervisors and shop-floor personnel.
• Prepare manpower deployment and shift-wise work allocation based on production priorities.
• Build technical capability of the team on polishing, squaring, defect identification and process control.
• Establish a disciplined, safety-conscious and performance-oriented shop-floor culture.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and communicate operational priorities and improvement actions.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Production Plann