Manager - Production - Beneficiation Plant

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Experience: 15+ yrs

Location: Nashwauk, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-time

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager – Beneficiation Plant to lead plant production, operational performance, and process optimization within a large-scale beneficiation facility.

The role will be responsible for achieving production targets while ensuring high standards of quality, safety, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency. The position will lead production teams, coordinate with cross-functional engineering and maintenance functions, optimize plant processes, and drive initiatives that improve productivity, resource utilization, and overall plant performance.

• Plan, schedule, and oversee daily beneficiation plant production to achieve established production targets.
• Ensure the efficient and reliable operation of beneficiation equipment and plant systems.
• Monitor production and equipment performance data to identify recurring issues, operational bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure the timely availability and effective utilization of raw materials and operational resources.
• Lead, train, mentor, and develop production teams comprising engineers, supervisors, and technicians.
• Establish a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to ensure reliable and uninterrupted plant operations.
• Evaluate plant performance and recommend process improvements, equipment upgrades, and operational enhancements.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks using available resources and appropriate problem-solving techniques.
• Monitor and improve specific power consumption, productivity, equipment utilization, and operating efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, quality requirements, environmental regulations, and operating procedures.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, inspections, and training programs for production personnel.
• Optimize manpower, materials, equipment, and other resources to minimize downtime and improve cost efficiency.
• Develop, monitor, and manage plant operating budgets.
• Prepare and review MIS reports, production performance reports, downtime analysis, and specific consumption records.
• Develop and execute plant shutdown plans in coordination with relevant departments.
• Contribute to the preparation and implementation of the Annual Business Plan.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using operational data, root-cause analysis, and process optimization methodologies.

• 15–20+ years of experience in production or operations management, preferably within beneficiation, mining, steel, minerals processing, or similar heavy industries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Proven experience managing large-scale production operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of beneficiation technology, processes, equipment, and plant operations.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver production targets while maintaining strong focus on safety, quality, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Strong understanding of process optimization, bottleneck identification, productivity improvement, and operational excellence.
• Experience coordinating with mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of applicable health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing plant budgets, raw material availability, resource utilization, downtime, and shutdown activities.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent leadership, team-building, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively and make sound decisions in a high-pressure, large-scale industrial environment.
• Certifications or formal training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization, or Continuous Improvement are an advantage.
• Strong ownership mindset with a focus on productivity, reliability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.