Operations Manager

Operations ManagerCovia responsibly provides minerals solutions for a better tomorrow. As a leading provider of diversified minerals, our products support a variety of industrial markets, including glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry, polymers, construction, water filtration, and sports and recreation. Long-standing relationships with a broad customer base enable Covia's market-inspired approach to innovation to enhance solutions and customer benefits. Underpinning these strengths is an unwavering commitment to safety and to sustainable development, further enhancing the value that Covia delivers to all its stakeholders. Covia is looking for a dynamic Operations Manager who will have a positive impact on the team at our Portage, WI location. As the Operations Manager, you will be responsible to direct production, shipping, and maintenance activities to execute plans and achieve production goals at the lowest cost with the highest regards to safety and product quality. The successful candidate will have the following key accountabilities: Direct mining, processing, and shipping activities ensuring strict compliance to safety, environmental, and quality standards, policies, and regulations; Use the philosophy and techniques of continuous improvement to improve quality, eliminate waste, decrease costs, and improve productivity and other efficiencies; Coordinate and direct activities of subordinates to achieve optimum rates of output consistent with short and long-range production and quality control requirements; Recommend changes in standards, work methods, equipment, and process modifications to improve performance, productivity, and profitability; Assist the Plant Manager in preparation of operations reports, weekly IFS upload, and monthly MoM variance comments; Partner with Plant Manager in preparation for and leading Portage's Annual Operational Excellence Meeting and OEM Plant Review Conference Calls; Oversee the development and execution of capital improvement projects and engineering changes to ensure that they fulfill Plant needs and meet long-term maintenance requirements. Advise the Plant Manager of all current or potential problems, including but not limited to the following: staff, equipment, quality, safety, raw materials, and transportation; Maintain acceptable labor and employee relations while overseeing the hiring of hourly employees; Inspect records from the production and maintenance departments for proper completion and to identify and act on problems; Assume all responsibilities of the Plant Manager in the absence of the Plant Manager; Perform other duties as required. The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical major strongly preferred. 5+ years of related heavy industry experience required. Mining or mineral processing experience strongly preferred; 2 + years of front-line supervisory experience required; Management experience in leading and developing teams to deliver results; Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills; Excellent verbal and written communications skills; Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Commitment to Our Culture Our core values - Safety, Team, Customers, Growth, and Courage—guide our work every day and will help us achieve our vision: Covia is the leading minerals solutions provider, and through the passion and commitment of our people, we enable customer success—ensuring a sustainable future for our company. All Covia Team Members are expected to: Live the Life-Saving Rules Build high-performing work teams Focus on customers Demonstrate a growth mindset Do the right thing, always At Covia, we strive for and support a diverse workforce as we firmly believe this lays the foundation of our success. Our compelling culture supports inclusion, individuality, and respect within the workplace. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to the most qualified candidate based on work-related factors and without regard to non-work-related factors including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or military service or reserve or veteran status. The organization offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a full range of benefits.