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Refractory Sales Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're ... Experience in refractory, casting, ceramics, or similar processes strongly preferred### **Skills ...

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Refractory Sales information

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$13

$25

$42

How much do refractory sales jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory sales in Minnesota is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is refractory sales?

Refractory sales involve the marketing and selling of refractory materials, which are heat-resistant products used to line high-temperature furnaces, kilns, reactors, and other processing units. Professionals in this field work with industries like steel, cement, glass, and petrochemicals to provide solutions that withstand extreme heat and harsh environments. The job typically includes identifying customer needs, recommending suitable products, preparing quotations, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the sales process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refractory sales professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refractory Sales professional, you need proficiency in industrial sales, deep knowledge of refractory products, and typically a background in engineering or materials science. Familiarity with CRM software, technical data sheets, and industry-specific standards is often required. Strong communication, negotiation abilities, and relationship-building skills are vital for understanding client needs and closing deals. These competencies ensure you can effectively match technical solutions to customer requirements, drive sales growth, and build lasting partnerships in a specialized market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in refractory sales, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Refractory Sales often encounter challenges such as navigating highly technical product specifications, managing long sales cycles, and building trust with clients in heavy industries like steel or foundries. To address these, it's important to continuously update your technical knowledge, develop strong communication skills to translate complex solutions into client benefits, and foster relationships through regular site visits and responsive support. Collaborating closely with engineering and technical teams can also help tailor solutions that meet client needs, enhancing your credibility and effectiveness in the role.

What is the difference between Refractory Sales vs Refractory Technician?

AspectRefractory SalesRefractory Technician
Required CredentialsSales certifications, industry knowledgeTechnical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffice, client sites, trade showsFactories, construction sites, plants
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, suppliers, distributorsManufacturers, plants, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonCustomer engagement, product knowledgeInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting

Refractory Sales professionals focus on selling refractory products and building client relationships, often working in office and client environments. Refractory Technicians are hands-on workers responsible for installing and maintaining refractory materials in industrial settings. While both roles require industry knowledge, their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Sales jobs in Minnesota?

For Refractory Sales jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Refractory Sales job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,648 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Supervisor, Production I

Alkegen

Virginia, MN • On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

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Alkegen rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

## Supervisor, Production IApplylocations: South Hill, VAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R12314## Job Requirements**Why Work for Alkegen?** Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!## **Key Responsibilities**### **Production Leadership*** Oversee all production processes across the plant during the 4:00 PM – 2:30 AM shift* Ensure execution of daily production schedules across operations such as batching, casting, drying, secondary processing, and finishing* Monitor throughput, bottlenecks (e.g., drying cycles, curing constraints), and labor allocation* Coordinate with Maintenance to address equipment downtime and prioritize repairs### **Quality*** Ensure in-process inspections and final quality checks are completed per control plans* Address non-conforming product, initiate containment, and support corrective actions* Maintain proper traceability and production records### **Team Supervision & Development*** Lead, coach, and hold accountable a team of operators, leads, and material handlers* Conduct start-of-shift and end-of-shift meetings, including safety and production updates* Train employees on standard work, quality requirements, and safe practices* Monitor attendance, performance, and discipline consistent with company policy### **Safety & Environmental Compliance*** Enforce all plant safety rules, PPE requirements, and safe work practices* Ensure safe handling of raw materials, molds, and finished goods* Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence* Promote a strong safety culture and housekeeping standards### **Process Control & Continuous Improvement*** Monitor key process variables (mix ratios, forming consistency, drying conditions, etc.)* Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements* Support Lean initiatives (waste reduction, 5S, standard work)* Drive improvements in yield, scrap reduction, and cycle times### **Cross-Functional Coordination*** Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Shipping to ensure product flow and on-time delivery* Ensure proper staging of materials for next shift readiness* Communicate shift performance, issues, and priorities during shift handoff## **Qualifications**### **Education & Experience*** High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred* 3–5+ years of manufacturing experience in a process-driven environment* Minimum 1–2 years in a supervisory or lead role* Experience in refractory, casting, ceramics, or similar processes strongly preferred### **Skills & Competencies*** Strong leadership and ability to manage a diverse workforce on off-shift hours* Hands-on problem solver with ability to make real-time decisions* Knowledge of multi-step production processes (batching, forming, drying, finishing)* Strong communication skills across shifts and departments* Familiarity with production metrics and reporting (scrap, throughput, OEE)## **Physical Requirements*** Ability to stand/walk for extended periods across the plant* Ability to lift up to [30–50 lbs] as needed* Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with heat, dust, and noise## **Work Environment*** Manufacturing facility with multiple production stages and material handling* 4:00 PM – 2:30 AM schedule, with occasional overtime or weekend support* High interaction with hourly workforce and hands-on floor presence required## **Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)*** Production output vs. schedule attainment* Scrap and rework rates (casting/forming defects, drying failures)* First-pass yield* Safety incidents and near-misses* On-time completion of production orders* Labor efficiency per shiftIf you are interested in being part of a world class production function here at Alkegen then we would love to hear from you. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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