Plant Manager III
United States Steel
Job ObjectiveThe Plant Manager – Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and execution of all DRI plant operations. This role ensures that all DRI policies, procedures, and activities align with Big River Steel (BRS) site-level goals and objectives, while delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible production of Direct Reduced Iron to support downstream steelmaking operations.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and accountability for Health, Safety, Environmental, Quality, and ResponsibleSteel programs within the DRI plant, ensuring these priorities are fully integrated into operational and business plans.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of ResponsibleSteel requirements, with specific focus on greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, raw material optimization, water usage, emissions control, community engagement, and workforce diversity.
- Direct the safe and efficient operation of DRI production units, including material handling, reduction furnaces, reformers (if applicable), gas systems, briquetting or hot DRI handling systems, and auxiliary facilities.
- Develop and implement training programs that ensure employee competence, operational discipline, process stability, and compliance with the Quality Management System.
- Monitor and evaluate departmental organization, staffing levels, and skill development, recommending changes as necessary to meet current and future BRS business needs.
- Collaborate closely with Melt Shop, Maintenance, Utilities, Raw Materials, and Technical Services to optimize plant performance, product quality, and overall site profitability.
- Ensure all DRI plant policies, procedures, and standard operating practices are consistently followed and aligned with BRS goals and objectives.
- Ensure DRI plant assets, equipment, and facilities are properly maintained to preserve asset integrity, reliability, and long-term performance.
- Develop, manage, and control the DRI plant operating and capital budgets in alignment with the BRS Business Plan, including cost control, yield optimization, and energy efficiency initiatives.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety performance, metallization quality, productivity, energy consumption, and emissions reduction.
- Demonstrated strong leadership, decision-making, and conflict management skills in an industrial manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of DRI processes, metallization control, gas-based reduction systems, material handling, and associated utilities.
- Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to drive process stability and operational excellence.
- Strong understanding of team dynamics and ability to build a collaborative, high-performance culture.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; proficient in standard computer and operational reporting systems.
- Ability to consistently demonstrate honesty, integrity, professionalism, and accountability, and to hold employees to the same standards.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline, and/or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a heavy manufacturing environment, with direct experience in DRI, ironmaking, or steelmaking operations preferred.
- Prior supervisory or management experience in an industrial operations role.
- This position requires a combination of office-based work and frequent presence in the DRI plant environment, which may involve exposure to extreme heat, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions. The role may require extended work hours, weekend and holiday coverage, and occasional travel to support operational, technical, or business needs.
This position has direct supervisory responsibility over DRI plant operations personnel and supports the development of frontline leaders and supervisors