Deputy Manager /Assistant Manager EAF Operation

Role & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. EAF Operation Management

• Supervise and control EAF operations to ensure stable, efficient, and safe melting cycles.
• Plan and execute the charge mix, including scrap, Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), and pig iron, as per the heat plan and grade requirements.
• Monitor and control power input, electrode regulation, oxygen blowing, and carbon injection parameters.
• Ensure proper slag control to achieve desired refining and phosphorus removal.
• Optimize tap-to-tap time, specific energy consumption, and electrode consumption to reduce operating costs.
• Monitor furnace lining, roof, and electrode performance; coordinate with refractory teams for relining or patching.
• Record heat-wise operational parameters and analyze deviations for continuous improvement.

2. Process and Metallurgical Control

• Maintain steel chemistry and temperature at tapping in coordination with LRF and VD requirements.
• Ensure deoxidation, slag formation, and addition of alloys as per metallurgical standards.
• Coordinate with the laboratory for heat sample analysis and timely corrections.
• Optimize operational parameters to reduce nitrogen content and improve steel cleanliness.
• Implement and ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for EAF operation.

3. Equipment Maintenance Coordination

• Ensure proper functioning of EAF equipment including transformers, electrodes, furnace roof, shell, tilting mechanism, cooling system, burners, and lances.
• Coordinate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Instrumentation maintenance teams for planned and unplanned maintenance.
• Plan and support furnace shutdowns, relining, and major overhauls.
• Ensure availability and reliability of auxiliary systems including fume extraction, cooling water, and power distribution.

4. Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Maintain zero-incident operations through adherence to SMS safety procedures.
• Conduct pre-start safety checks and ensure all operators follow PPE and safety SOPs.
• Manage safe handling of hot metal, scrap charging, and slag disposal operations.
• Ensure compliance with pollution control norms particularly for fume extraction and dust collection systems.
• Promote and enforce 5S and housekeeping standards in the furnace area.

5. Process Optimization and Cost Control

• Continuously monitor EAF productivity and cost performance metrics including power consumption, electrode usage, refractory consumption, and yield.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for delays, trip events, and equipment breakdowns.
• Implement process improvement and energy optimization projects using TPM, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Work on improving yield, reducing power consumption, and minimizing tap-to-tap time.

6. Coordination and Reporting

• Coordinate operations with Raw Material Handling, LRF, VD, and CCM teams for smooth heat flow.
• Ensure proper ladle scheduling and heat sequencing to avoid bottlenecks.
• Maintain accurate shift records, heat logs, and production reports.
• Participate in daily production and coordination meetings with operation and maintenance teams.

7. Team Management and Development

• Lead and supervise engineers, shift in-charges, and operators.
• Ensure proper manpower deployment for each shift and operational activity.
• Conduct training sessions on EAF operation, safety, and troubleshooting.
• Motivate the team to achieve production and safety targets.
• Evaluate team performance and promote a culture of accountability and skill enhancement.

Preferred candidate profile

Qualifications and Experience

• B.E./B.Tech in Metallurgical, Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering discipline.

• Assistant Manager: 6 to 10 years of experience in EAF operations in integrated or mini steel plants.

• Deputy Manager: 10 to 14 years of experience in EAF operation with exposure to secondary metallurgy (LRF, VD).

• Preference for experience in integrated steel plants with EAF-based steelmaking units.