Supervisor Refractory

Gerdau; Wilton (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gerdau in Wilton, Iowa, is seeking a Refractory Routine Facilitator to oversee day-to-day operations in the refractory production department. This role involves managing a skilled team and ensuring the installation and maintenance of high-performance refractory materials.

The successful candidate will possess strong people management skills and a safety-first mindset, with a preference for those with knowledge of the refractory and melt shop processes. Candidates should have a degree in engineering or business administration or equivalent experience.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in Engineering, Business Administration or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of applicable experience in lieu of degree.
• Strong understanding of Continuous Improvement methodologies and Six Sigma/Lean training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the refractory production department.
• Coordinate installation and maintenance of high-performance refractory materials.
• Monitor production schedules and implement strategies to optimize workflow.

Skills

Safety-First mindset

People Management Skills

Knowledge of Refractory Processes

Continuous Improvement methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Administration

Job description

Job Description

This position directly reports to the Melt Shop Superintendent. As the Refractory Routine Facilitator, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to‑day operations of our refractory production department. Responsible for managing a team of skilled technicians, you will be tasked with coordinating the installation and maintenance of high-performance refractory materials used in a variety of Melt Shop applications.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The major role of this job is to ensure routine management efforts are followed and opportunities for improvement in processes, products, and production within the area of responsibility are identified, supervising, and coordinating the work of a team of refractory technicians (brick masons/slide gate technicians) ensuring efficient and effective production processes.
• The incumbent should be detail oriented and must be comfortable dealing with associates at all levels within the organization. The incumbent will be responsible for standardization administration, providing technical guidance and training as it relates to processes in control standards, management standards, routine procedures, job aids and one-point lessons.
• Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in Refractory Installation for the Electric Arc Furnace, Ladles, and Caster Tundishes. Trains and observes workers to ensure job performance meets standards and that safety procedures are followed.
• Observes operation of machinery and equipment to detect and address malfunctions.
• Monitor production schedules, identify bottlenecks, and implement strategies to optimize workflow and meet deadlines.
• Ensure strict adherence to quality control protocols, conducting regular inspections and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborate with the engineering and procurement teams to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost savings, and the introduction of new refractory technologies.
• These duties will include needs assessments, auditing, coaching of maintenance/reliability improvement programs and standards, technical training, 5S improvements, development and implementation of cost and environmental control goals, development and implementation of new and current preventive maintenance and safety management processes and procedures.
• Develop and oversee budget for assigned area.

The Individual

• Must possess a Safety-First mindset.
• Four-year college degree in Engineering, Business Administration or other related field preferred, or 5+ years of applicable experience in lieu of degree.
• Strongly prefer someone with knowledge of the Refractory and/or Melt Shop process.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of Continuous Improvement methodologies. Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing training is a plus.
• People Management Skills are a must.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. All external applicants must be legally eligible to immediately work in the country of hire without current or future sponsorship.