Extrusion Manager

Iowa Aluminum, Inc. specializes in the manufacturing, fabrication, and customization of extruded aluminum profiles for a wide range of industries worldwide. The company is known for producing complex and challenging extrusions, including small orders and light wall shapes that many other aluminum manufacturers avoid. Its capabilities include solids, hollows, semi-hollows, and heat sinks, allowing it to support diverse customer requirements. Iowa Aluminum, Inc. focuses on precision, quality, and flexibility in production to meet specialized application needs and long‑term customer partnerships. Role Description The Extrusion Manager is a full‑time, on‑site role based at Iowa Aluminum, Inc. in Albia, IA. This position is responsible for overseeing daily extrusion operations, including planning production schedules, coordinating material flow, and ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and efficiency standards. The Extrusion Manager leads and mentors the production team, monitors equipment performance, troubleshoots process issues, and collaborates with the die shop to optimize tooling, die design, and product specifications. The role also involves managing projects related to process improvements, maintaining documentation, reporting on key performance indicators, and working closely with other departments to meet customer delivery and quality requirements. Key Responsibilities Oversee operations of aluminum extrusion presses, including billet heating furnaces, runout table, stretchers, aging ovens, and saws. Collaborate with the maintenance department to execute predictive plans, ensuring high press reliability and minimizing downtime. Analyze die performance history and recommend design modifications to enhance performance. Identify training requirements of employees and partner with the Human Resources department to implement training plans. Perform employee performance evaluations. Apply lean manufacturing, and 6S to eliminate process bottlenecks and reduce non-value-added steps. Quality Control and Inspection Collaborate with the quality team to manage material quenching processes, grain structure control, temper testing, and geometric specifications. Read section prints and inspect extrusions to ensure they match the design prints. Understand metal flow in dies and apply techniques to modify it as needed. Tooling and Equipment Operation Monitor and maximize press utilization, extrusion speed, and weight efficiency. Ensure preventive maintenance schedules for equipment are completed to reduce unplanned downtime. Collaborate with production planners to ensure proper sequencing of jobs, reducing waste and improving on‑time delivery. Monitor die performance in production and the die repair shop. Data Management and Reporting Provide accurate production data to Iowa Aluminum leadership and analyze daily production outputs and scrap against the targets. Compile, store, and retrieve production data to analyze die ratio efficiency and gains. Maintain accurate records and ensure tooling is prepared and available as per the schedule. Drive department key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on maximum metal recovery, throughput speeds, and scrap minimization. Safety and Compliance Ensure employees are strictly adhering to all safety protocols and wearing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). Monitor the workplace for any safety hazards and immediately report potential risks to the leadership team. Qualifications Requires a minimum of 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience, specifically within multi‑press aluminum extrusion operations. Expertise in die correction, profile dimensional control, press hydraulic systems, and programming logic. Physically able to stand for extended periods while managing the operations. Experience managing a heavy machinery environment with high‑temperature hazards, maintaining a strict zero‑injury safety culture. Good communication skills for effective coordination with the leadership team and direct reports. Consistent and reliable attendance is required. Why Work with Us Join Iowa Aluminum and play a pivotal role in supporting the operations of the extrusion department, where precision meets productivity. In our supportive and dynamic environment, you will not only foster professional growth and teamwork but also thrive as part of a leading team in the aluminum extrusion industry. We are committed to your development, promoting a culture of collaboration and effective communication. With access to state-of-the-art technology and a focus on training and safety, you will be well-equipped to help us exceed industry standards and deliver superior quality to our customers. At Iowa Aluminum, you will not only enhance your skills but also contribute to an operation that is essential to our success. This position is based in a manufacturing plant environment. Employees may be exposed to levels of noise, dust, and potential hazards associated with operating heavy machinery and metalworking. Appropriate safety measures and protective gear are provided to ensure employee safety. #J-18808-Ljbffr