Refractory Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

At Gerdau, we empower our people to grow, thrive, and make a difference-together. With a culture built on trust and teamwork, we offer meaningful work, continuous development, and opportunities to shape your future. We invite you to come work with us, where your contributions are valued, your voice is heard, and your career is forged with purpose

Melter - Refractory Routine Facilitator (Summary)

Primary Purpose

The Refractory Routine Facilitator is responsible for leading the daily operations of refractory maintenance and installation activities within the Melt Shop. This role supervises refractory technicians, ensures safe and efficient production, manages continuous improvement efforts, and supports cost, quality, and reliability goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise refractory technicians (brick masons and slide gate technicians).
• Coordinate refractory installation and maintenance for:
• Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF)
• Ladles
• Caster Tundishes
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and production standards.
• Monitor equipment and address operational issues and malfunctions.
• Manage production schedules and workflow to meet deadlines.
• Develop, administer, and improve operating standards, procedures, job aids, and training materials.
• Conduct training, coaching, audits, and performance observations.
• Support preventive maintenance, reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive 5S, environmental, and cost-control improvements.
• Collaborate with engineering and procurement teams on process improvements and new refractory technologies.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Safety-first mindset (required).
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Alternatively, 5+ years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Refractory systems
• Melt Shop operations
• Steelmaking processes (preferred)
• Strong analytical and computer skills.
• Understanding of Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience is a plus.
• Excellent leadership and people-management abilities.

What the Employer Appears to Value Most

1. Safety leadership.
2. Supervisory and people-management experience.
3. Knowledge of refractory operations and Melt Shop processes.
4. Continuous improvement and process optimization skills.
5. Technical training and standardization experience.
6. Budgeting and operational management capability.

This position is essentially a front-line operations leadership role that combines maintenance/refractory expertise, team supervision, safety leadership, and continuous improvement responsibilities within a steel manufacturing environment.

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.  

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com