Process Optimization Manager Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Have you ever thought about a career in the fast-paced gold and silver industry? If so, here is your golden opportunity and the timing could not be better.  Upstate Coin & Gold is seeking an experienced Systems Optimization Manager to join our team! This role is for someone who excels at driving continuous improvement, builds sustainable workflows, and ensures the department consistently meets company standards for operational excellence, safety, and compliance.

The Systems & Optimization Manager is responsible for building the operational foundation required to scale our precious metal melt shop. As a motivated self-starter with keen attention to detail and a lead-by-example mentality, this role focuses on "zooming out" while working alongside our existing melt shop and development teams to proactively manage the department through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), capacity planning, and rigorous standardized processes.

The ideal candidate excels in translating complex floor operations into measurable data, establishing defensible audit trails, and analyzing unit economics to ensure profitability. You will forecast production bottlenecks, champion team training and development, and research Capital Expenditure (CapEx) investments to future-proof the business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety & Compliance: Lead and enforce stringent departmental safety protocols, including the proper use of PPE and hazard management. Support environmental audits and ensure proactive compliance with government regulations.
• Systems & KPI Management: Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive KPI frameworks to track melt yields, turnaround times, equipment utilization, and overall process efficiency.
• Standardization & SOPs: Build a sustainable process foundation by developing, enforcing, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training modules and daily shift-continuity checklists (e.g., BOD/EOD routines).
• Capacity Planning & Production Control: Establish daily production control plans. Monitor inbound order volume, map it against current labor and mechanical capacity, and forecast future demand to prevent bottlenecks. Proactive management of safety stock and consumables.
• Profitability & Cost Analysis: Develop and implement robust financial tracking tools to accurately measure the true profitability of Melt Shop operations. This includes mapping out unit economics by calculating and tracking direct labor, fixed overhead, and variable expenses to determine the true cost-per-lot processed.
• Auditability & Financial Tracking: Implement rigorous documentation standards to create defensible audit trails for every refining lot, ensuring absolute transparency and data-backed accuracy for our customers. Track lot weights and melt loss to minimize financial leakage.
• Staffing & Progression: Develop and manage a tiered skills progression matrix. Oversee the formal training and certification process to build a highly capable, cross-trained workforce.
• Future-Proofing & CapEx Planning: Look ahead of current production to identify future constraints (spatial, mechanical, technological). Research equipment upgrades, source quotes, and synthesize findings into executive summaries with clear ROI to guide leadership decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive process efficiencies and root-cause problem-solving through proven analytical techniques.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial or chemical engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Chemistry or Metallurgy, or a related field is preferred, though we will also consider candidates with extensive relevant industry experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, metallurgy, or highly regulated production environment, including at least 3 years in a systems, optimization, or operational management capacity.
• Proven experience working with precious metals or high-value inventory is highly preferred.

Technical & Strategic Skills:

• Strong expertise in capacity planning, demand forecasting, and production scheduling.
• Proven track record of developing KPI dashboards and making data-driven decisions.
• Experience leading Capital Expenditure (CapEx) research and writing business cases for leadership.
• Proficiency in utilizing ERP systems and the Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel/data analysis skills required).
• Familiarity with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant industry-specific compliance standards.

Working Conditions:

• Regular exposure to high temperatures and caustic chemicals, requiring strict adherence to PPE usage and safety protocols.
• May involve periods of standing, lifting, and manual handling of materials.
• The work environment is within a secure, access-controlled facility with stringent material handling protocols.

Total Rewards Package:

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Up to 6% company match on 401(k)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and Employee Assistance plans
• HSA and FSA plans (pre-tax benefit)
• Company paid STD, LTD, Life, and AD&D
• Supplemental coverage available, including Critical Illness, Accident, Hospitalization, and Pet
• PTO and paid holidays