Operations Manager – Role Overview
Based on Internal Notes / Hiring Manager Insight
- The company processes Vanadium, which is a waste byproduct from crude oil. They clean and refine it, then repurpose it for the fracking and steel industries through several different production methods.
- The environment is industrial and hands-on — candidates should expect a dirty manufacturing environment working with raw materials. The facility is not temperature controlled, so comfort with that type of environment is important.
- This role will have approximately 8–9 direct reports, and a key expectation is to develop these individuals so they can eventually grow into leadership roles similar to this one
- Safety is a major priority across the operation.
- The team culture is close-knit, hardworking, and collaborative
- The facility is non-union
- Compensation
- Base salary typically $100K–$150K
- 10–20% bonus
- Sign-on bonuses and relocation packages available in some cases
- PTO can be negotiated
- The company places a high emphasis on confidentiality due to the proprietary nature of their processing methods.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and enforce compliance with safety and environmental regulations, promoting a strong safety culture across the plant.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations while ensuring equipment, facilities, and processes meet industry standards.
- Develop production schedules and labor requirements to achieve operational targets.
- Monitor and analyze production volume, cost, quality, equipment maintenance, and labor utilization to optimize plant performance.
- Identify and resolve operational non-conformances, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
- Track and report critical operational KPIs to support company financial goals.
- Lead and develop Operations Leads and Supervisors, including performance management and coaching.
- Promote positive employee relations and engagement across operational teams.
- Investigate and resolve employee issues in partnership with HR and plant leadership.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in the Melt Shop and Roaster areas.
- Collaborate with engineering and purchasing teams to execute capital projects and evaluate suppliers
- Apply Lean manufacturing principles to improve processes, systems, equipment, and workforce productivity.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering or a related mechanical/industrial field preferred.
- 7–10 years of operational leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Industry experience in melt shop, foundry, steel, or similar heavy manufacturing environments preferred.
- Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and apply Lean principles
- Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail
- Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through operational improvements
- Knowledge of OSHA, EPA regulations, and relevant industry codes
