Plant Manager III

Job DescriptionJob 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 ResponsibilitiesProvide 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.QualificationsDemonstrated 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.Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: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.Supervisory Responsibility:This position has direct supervisory responsibility over DRI plant operations personnel and supports the development of frontline leaders and supervisorsCompetency SummaryAt U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:Think: Think Critically and Drive ChangeLead: Develop Talent and CollaborateDo: Empower Performance and Deliver ResultsCompany OverviewSince 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies 2022, ’23, ‘24Disability: IN’s Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, ’22, ’23, ‘24Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Equality 100 Award 2020, ’21, ’22, ’23-24, ‘25Military Times’ Best for Vets: Employers 2023, ‘24Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel’s success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company’s success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.): Big River Steel LLC: Osceola : 14481BR