Refining Department Manager

Qualified Staffing; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 23 days annually

401(k) with profit-sharing

Medical and dental insurance

Job summary

Qualified Staffing is seeking an experienced Refining Department Manager for a direct-hire role in Chesterfield, Virginia. This hands-on leader will oversee daily refining operations, production scheduling, and a team of six or more employees to drive safety, quality, and efficiency improvements.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of production leadership in manufacturing, strong communication skills, and a history of achieving operational goals while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of production leadership in manufacturing/plant environment.
• Experience supervising employees and managing production workflows.
• Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and computer systems.
• Basic mechanical and electrical knowledge.
• Ability to prepare analytic reports and SOPs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Hands-on leadership approach and willingness to learn refining processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily refining operations, ensuring schedules, timelines and quality standards are met.
• Manage staffing to maintain efficiency and adjust as needed.
• Lead and coach a team of six or more employees.
• Develop SOPs, production controls, and QA processes.
• Coordinate with sales/marketing for new refining services.
• Monitor equipment performance and schedule maintenance.
• Ensure safe, clean, and compliant work environment.
• Support environmental regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Production scheduling

Safety

Quality

Efficiency

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Equipment maintenance

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in Business Management/Operations/Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Refining Department Manager – Direct Hire

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Salary: $75,000 annually
Schedule: Full-Time | Day Shift | Onsite
Employment Type: Direct Hire

Position Overview

Qualified Staffing is seeking an experienced Refining Department Manager for a direct-hire opportunity with an established precious metals manufacturing and refining company in Chesterfield, Virginia.

Our client is looking for a hands-on leader to oversee daily refining operations, manage production schedules, supervise employees, and drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing or plant operations, proven leadership experience, and the ability to balance production demands with employee development and customer satisfaction.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional seeking a long-term career with a stable organization that values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Refining Operations (60%)

• Oversee daily refining operations, ensuring production schedules, delivery timelines, and quality standards are consistently met.

• Monitor workflow, identify production bottlenecks, and adjust staffing assignments to maintain efficiency.

• Take a hands-on approach to leadership, learning departmental processes and assisting with production when needed.

• Review refining lots to ensure accurate settlements, processing charges, and documentation.

• Prepare and analyze production reports, inventory records, timesheets, and other operational documentation.

• Coordinate material shipments to outside processors and support accurate monthly physical inventories.

• Build and maintain professional relationships with customers, internal departments, and external vendors.

• Address customer inquiries, refining questions, settlement timelines, and disputes in a timely and professional manner.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish production goals, schedules, delivery expectations, and quality standards.

• Coordinate new refining services and promotional initiatives with sales and marketing teams.

• Monitor equipment performance, schedule preventive maintenance, and coordinate necessary repairs.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment, including proper chemical handling and equipment operation.

• Support environmental compliance efforts, including monitoring pollution control equipment and air and water discharge requirements.

Team Leadership & Supervision (25%)

• Supervise, train, and develop a team of six or more employees.

• Partner with senior leadership to determine staffing needs and participate in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding.

• Lead daily team meetings to communicate production goals, priorities, and safety expectations.

• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and employee development.

• Monitor attendance, productivity, safety compliance, and quality standards.

• Promote employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and a positive work environment.

• Ensure employees follow established procedures and maintain consistent performance expectations.

Continuous Improvement (15%)

• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), production controls, and quality assurance processes.

• Evaluate refining methods and workflows to identify opportunities for cost reduction, increased production capacity, and improved efficiency.

• Support training initiatives to maintain consistent operational standards across departments.

• Oversee chemical refining processes in accordance with established safety procedures and operating guidelines.

• Research industry trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies to support operational improvements.

• Prepare analytical reports, project updates, and recommendations for senior leadership.

• Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen productivity, quality, and workplace safety.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of 2 years of production leadership experience in a manufacturing or plant environment, with demonstrated results.

• Experience supervising employees, managing production workflows, and maintaining operational standards.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and time-sensitive priorities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer systems.

• Basic mechanical maintenance and electrical knowledge.

• Ability to prepare analytical reports and develop standard operating procedures.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.

• Willingness to take a hands‑on approach to leadership and learn specialized refining processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Operations, Chemistry, or a related field.

• Experience in precious metal refining, chemical processing, or specialized manufacturing.

• Experience with production planning, inventory management, and process improvement initiatives.

• Knowledge of environmental regulations, chemical safety, and industrial equipment maintenance.

Compensation & Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Annual salary of $75,000.

• 23 days of paid time off annually (prorated during the first year).

• 401(k) eligibility with company profit‑sharing contributions.

• Employer contributions toward medical and dental insurance.

• Company‑paid life insurance.

• Optional vision and supplemental insurance.

• Tuition reimbursement for qualifying educational courses.

• Performance bonuses and employee recognition awards.

• Monthly employee luncheons, cookouts, and company activities.

• Consistent daytime schedule with no shift work.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must successfully complete required pre‑employment screenings, including criminal background, credit, and drug screening.

• Employees must comply with a metal‑free dress code and workplace restrictions on cell phone use.

• This is an onsite position in Chesterfield, Virginia.

Qualified Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants.