Alternative Fuel/ Raw Material Engineer

About Lafarge

Lafarge Africa PIc is a member of Huaxin Cement Co. Ltd.,  - founded in 1907 and incorporated in China. Huaxin is listed on the Shanghai and on the Hong Kong stock exchanges, and is among the 10 largest cement groups in the world. In addition to cement, Huaxin operates aggregates and ready-mixed concrete as well as waste management businesses, and has its own cement and waste pre-/co-processing equipment manufacturing with proprietary technology. Huaxin is recognized among the world's top manufacturing enterprises and most valuable brands. Lafarge Africa is a publicly quoted company on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited and serves Nigeria with a wide range of building and construction solutions.

Who are Lafarge People?

Lafarge people are passionate about finding better ways to build. They embrace innovation and improvement with a pioneering spirit. They work as trusted partners, creating better solutions and experiences for their customers, communities, and colleagues

About the job

To facilitate co-processing of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFRs). Ensure achievement of thermal energy cost reduction by defining and implementing programs for optimizing and increasing the use of AFRs co-processing units (cement plants). Contribute to increase the use of AFRs by developing methods to address operational challenges in terms of process, quality and environment.
This also includes the follow through with reports, meetings, action closure through cordial relationship with Plant Manager, Performance Manager, Supporting Managers, H&S Manager, Training & Learning, Commercial and Legal, Geocycle etc.

What you'll be doing

• Prepare and coordinate the weekly, monthly meeting to follow up the Alternative Fuel (availability?), ensuring that the monthly budget for Alternative Fuel consumption is achieved
• Prepare and coordinate the annual elaboration of Alternative Fuel road map while keeping track of actions for Alternative Fuel.
• Benchmark co-processing cost & KPIs, support target setting process and challenge cement operation in the area of AFR utilization
• Define and implement operational performance assessments and process improvements in the field of co-processing and support on – site co-processing operations
• Register the actions generated on the ‘action log tracker’ for important audits, visits, projects, meetings in relation with stakeholders related with Alternative Fuel as Geocycle.
• Support Geocycle team in Alternative fuel related CAPEX in definition and prioritization of projects for optimizing and steady increase of Alternative fuel consumption
• Manage OPEX/CAPEX related to AFR plant operations.
• Ensure all potential process and quality issues related to clinker production are considered in the global fuel mix (Alternative fuel & raw materials)
• Determine and Maintain (with the support of Geocycle) the required inventory level of all Alternative Fuel materials and industrial waste to ensure continuous and sustainable Alternative fuel injection
• Leader/champion of the continuous improvement plan through innovation, improvement projects, ideas generation etc. (Is this for AF/TSR or all of plant improvement?)
• Maintain and further improve the health, safety and environmental aspects within the remit of this role and actively participate with the development of the health and safety culture on site.
• Monitor and optimize process parameters in terms of recycling waste materials from the quarry to the cement milling.
• Explore ways of efficiently managing the consumption of industrial wastes coming to the plant and liaise with key managers for successful consumption
• Liaise with the Process manager) to optimize fuel mix and usage (traditional and waste-derived fuel) through results obtained from fuel analysis and obtain the most appropriate mix which favors environment, clinker quality and costs.
• Lead daily reviews to manage the % Alternative Fuel targets.
• Lead the Alternative Fuel meetings to achieve significant improvements in % Alternative Fuel consumption.
• Work closely with the Maintenance department to share knowledge and expertise that will help to improve the plant % Alternative Fuel
• Lead the performance and development of the staff within the department.
• Liaise with the Quality Manager to support and run trials to define appropriate process parameters for the production using Alternative Fuel, especially the new Alternative Fuel.
• Liaise closely with the Environmental Co-Ordinator to ensure process compliance with regulation and support the relationship with the regulatory Agencies.
• Support implementation of ISO 14001:2015 EMS and ISO 9001:2015 QMS in the department
• Ensure continuous follow up with production and process parameters that will allow for steady plant operation despite the fuel mix being utilized.
• Support to carry out other activities as may be required by management from time to time. (Co processing is already process related.)

Who you'll be working with 

• Internal
  • Reports to Process Manager: to receive objectives & directives, analyze results and correct other activities.
  • Interface with maintenance to achieve equipment performance at desired levels

What we are looking for 

• Degree in chemical engineering or any other relevant degree with a certification in NEBOSH.
• Minimum of five (5) years process engineering within the cement industry desirable.
• An in-depth knowledge of processes: quarry, raw meal preparation, burning, air flows combustion, grinding.
• Strong Excel and MS Office proficiency (including good knowledge of PowerPoint).
• Good knowledge SAP and SAP FC is a plus.
• Good knowledge raw material chemistry, cement manufacturing process.
• Good knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9002).
• Good planning skills
• Good knowledge of laboratory equipment and methods
• Good process knowledge of kilns, mills, separators and similar equipment.
• Ideally have experience in undertaking process audits.
• Good knowledge about AF, Alternative cementitious materials, Knowledge of AF equipment, the process of AF production, characteristics, etc.

Your Lafarge Experience:

At Lafarge, there is endless opportunity for you to play your part. Whether you’re in a technical, managerial, or frontline role, you can shape a career that works for you. With us you’ll have the chance to embrace the passion we share for our planet. You’ll be encouraged to seek out diverse perspectives, share your ideas and build the skills and connections you need to perform at your best. Because it’s only when we work together in a culture where everyone thrives, that we can build the world we all want to live in.