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

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. 
• Strong analytical computer skills required.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of Continuous Improvement methodologies. Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing training is a plus.
• Strong analytical computer skills required.
• 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.  

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