Plant Manager

Job Overview

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations in a steel manufacturing facility with a focus on pickling and slitting processes. This role plays a key part in optimizing production efficiency, maintaining safety and compliance standards, managing resources, and ensuring product quality. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, operational expertise, and an in-depth understanding of steel processing and pickling line operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership:
   Supervise and develop production and operations staff, operators, and maintenance personnel. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
2. Production &  Process Optimization:
   Manage and improve operations to maximize throughput and product quality.  Identify bottlenecks, implement process improvements, and reduce downtime.
3. Resource Management:
   Allocate labor, materials, and equipment to meet production goals efficiently. Monitor maintenance schedules and ensure equipment reliability.
4. Quality Assurance:
   Oversee quality control processes to ensure that steel coils meet required specifications and customer standards. Investigate and resolve quality issues promptly.
5. Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination:
   Collaborate with purchasing, logistics, and warehouse teams to ensure timely receipt of raw materials and delivery of finished products.  Optimize inventory levels and minimize material waste.
6. Compliance & Safety:
   Ensure operations adhere to OSHA regulations, environmental standards, and internal safety protocols. Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions as needed.
7. Data Monitoring & Reporting:
   Track KPIs including throughput, yield, downtime, scrap rate, and safety metrics. Provide regular performance reports and actionable insights to senior leadership.
8. Vendor & Contractor Management:
   Manage external vendors, contractors, and service providers for equipment maintenance, chemicals, and outsourced services. Ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
9. Project Management:
   Lead or assist in plant improvement projects, including equipment upgrades, process automation, and layout changes. Ensure on-time and within-budget execution.
10. Risk Management:
    Identify operational risks related to production, safety, and environmental compliance. Develop and implement mitigation and contingency plans 
11. Must be able to deal with customers and resolve issues that come up. 
12. Must be able to oversee office staff and use other SW resources to make sure production and inventory records are correct.

Personal Attributes:

• High attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Results-driven with strong initiative and decision-making ability.
• Safety-first mindset with a proactive approach to risk mitigation.
• Adaptable, resilient, and able to lead through change and growth.
• Integrity and a commitment to ethical leadership and team development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or related field preferred.  Relevant work experience in place of degree considered.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in steel manufacturing operations, preferably in a facility with pickling lines.
• Strong understanding of steel processing equipment, acid pickling, and coil handling.
• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Equipment maintenance background a plus
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, OSHA, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Proficient in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with manufacturing data systems preferred.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.