Supervisor - Refractory

JSW Steel Limited; Mingo Junction (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

JSW Steel Limited in Ohio is seeking an operations leader to oversee refractory management, process optimization, and safety across the plant. You will drive external collaborations, implement Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, and ensure production targets are met while maintaining high quality and cost efficiency.

The role requires strong leadership in cross-functional settings and a commitment to continuous improvement in a heavy industry environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct all stages of refractory processes, including repairs, component prep, and inventory management to meet daily, weekly, and monthly production targets.
• Analyze processes to eliminate bottlenecks, minimize waste, and lower energy consumption while driving automation and Lean/Six Sigma initiatives.
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture through SOP enforcement, emergency planning, and environmental compliance (emissions, magnesia brick recycling, circular economy practices).
• Enforce quality standards across refractory applications, identify root causes of defects, and maximize refractory life.
• Recruit, train, and mentor the operations team; set clear KPIs and foster accountability; collaborate with HR on labor relations.
• Identify cost-saving initiatives, manage operational budgets, and perform variance analyses on consumption and efficiency metrics.
• Serve as the primary liaison between operations and Procurement, EAF, LMF, VTD, Caster, Engineering, R&D, and Finance.

Job description

• Operations & Refractory Management: Direct all stages of refractory processes, including repairs, component prep, and inventory management. Meet daily, weekly, and monthly production targets.
• Process Optimization & Tech Integration: Analyze processes to eliminate bottlenecks, minimize waste, and lower energy consumption. Drive the adoption of modern technology, automation (profiling machines, robotics), and Lean/Six Sigma principles.
• Safety, Health & Environment: Champion a zero-harm safety culture through strict SOP enforcement, emergency response planning, and environmental compliance (emissions, magnesia brick recycling, circular economy practices).
• Quality Control & Defect Reduction: Enforce quality standards across all refractory applications, identify root causes of defects, and maximize refractory life.
• Team Leadership & Labor Relations: Recruit, train, and mentor the operations team. Set clear performance expectations/KPIs, foster a culture of accountability, and work closely with HR on labor relations.
• Cost & Budget Control: Identify cost-saving initiatives, manage operational budgets, and perform variance analyses on refractory consumption and efficiency metrics.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between operations and key departments (Procurement, EAF, LMF, VTD, Caster, Engineering, R&D, and Finance).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Managed

• Production & Volume: Daily/weekly/monthly output, production vs. target, and operating life of ladles, EAF refractories, and tundishes.
• Cost Efficiency: Total production cost per ton, raw material costs, labor costs per ton, and refractory conversion/consumption rates.
• Quality & Continuous Improvement: First Time Right percentage, defect reduction, and Lean/Six Sigma project completion rates.
• Safety & Compliance (SHE): LTIFR, TRIR, near-miss reporting rates, and environmental compliance metrics.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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