Ceramist

Our client is a specialist manufacturer of ceramic products, and supplies clients throughout New Zealand. Located just north of Timaru in South Canterbury, they have been part of the local landscape for 99 years and have a bright future ahead as they continue to develop and refine their niche product offering.

This permanent full-time position reports to the Technical Director where you will be responsible for delivering product development and production solutions to the processing function of the plant operation while utilising best practice.
- Minimum hours of work: 40 per week
- Location: South Canterbury
- Pay range: $70k - 80k depending on qualifications and experience

Due to the impending retirement of a team member, they need a Ceramist to come on board and get involved in quality control and product development.

Key to success in this role are relevant qualifications and experience, however training will be given in certain aspects of the role.

Preferred experience will be in laboratory techniques and processes, ceramics, or earth sciences.

Exposure to ISO or laboratory quality systems is desirable.

Core duties will include:

- Development and commercialisation of new products, modifying existing products and producing samples for relevant markets
- Managing production trials
- Overseeing quality assurance to ensure products meet appropriate specifications
- Research of ingredients and suppliers, and maintenance of supplier relationships
- Assisting with process improvements by monitoring and modifying existing processes, troubleshooting designing relevant experiments and determining the most efficient processing techniques
- Maintaining accurate information records and preparing reports as required
- Liaise with production and management staff
- Understanding of, and remaining up to date with new technology, equipment, ingredients, processes and regulations.
- Provide leadership to 2 laboratory staff
- Assisting with site visits as required
- Kiln firing operations
- Adherence to company health and safety policies and procedures

Desirable attributes include:

- A collaborative team player with strong leadership capabilities
- Excellent attention to detail
- Advanced computer and technical skills
- Strong work ethic and desire to see the company progress
- Commitment to company values