Operations Manager

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 for directing production, shipping, and maintenance activities to execute plans and achieve production goals at the lowest cost while ensuring the highest regard to safety and product quality. 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 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. 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 communication skills. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Benefits Excellent Healthcare Benefits – medical, vision, dental. 401(k) with company matching. Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays. Disability plans and Life/AD&D. Employee Assistance Program. An Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr