Operations Manager

Silver Line Recruiting LLC
Zanesville, OH

Operations Manager – Role Overview

Based on Internal Notes / Hiring Manager Insight


  • The company processes Vanadium, which is a waste byproduct from crude oil. They clean and refine it, then repurpose it for the fracking and steel industries through several different production methods.
  • The environment is industrial and hands-on — candidates should expect a dirty manufacturing environment working with raw materials. The facility is not temperature controlled, so comfort with that type of environment is important.
  • This role will have approximately 8–9 direct reports, and a key expectation is to develop these individuals so they can eventually grow into leadership roles similar to this one.
  • Safety is a major priority across the operation.
  • The team culture is close-knit, hardworking, and collaborative.
  • The facility is non-union.
  • Compensation
  • Base salary typically $100K–$150K
  • 10–20% bonus
  • Sign-on bonuses and relocation packages available in some cases
  • PTO can be negotiated
  • The company places a high emphasis on confidentiality due to the proprietary nature of their processing methods.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and enforce compliance with safety and environmental regulations, promoting a strong safety culture across the plant.
  • Maintain compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations while ensuring equipment, facilities, and processes meet industry standards.
  • Develop production schedules and labor requirements to achieve operational targets.
  • Monitor and analyze production volume, cost, quality, equipment maintenance, and labor utilization to optimize plant performance.
  • Identify and resolve operational non-conformances, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
  • Track and report critical operational KPIs to support company financial goals.
  • Lead and develop Operations Leads and Supervisors, including performance management and coaching.
  • Promote positive employee relations and engagement across operational teams.
  • Investigate and resolve employee issues in partnership with HR and plant leadership.
  • Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in the Melt Shop and Roaster areas.
  • Collaborate with engineering and purchasing teams to execute capital projects and evaluate suppliers.
  • Apply Lean manufacturing principles to improve processes, systems, equipment, and workforce productivity.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering or a related mechanical/industrial field preferred.
  • 7–10 years of operational leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Industry experience in melt shop, foundry, steel, or similar heavy manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and apply Lean principles.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to adapt to change and lead teams through operational improvements.
  • Knowledge of OSHA, EPA regulations, and relevant industry codes.
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