Lead Operational Excellence in

Steelmaking Location:

Greater Richmond Region, south-central

Virginia Relocation:

Available within the U.S.

Compensation:

$105,000-$121,000 base salary + Annual Bonus About Gerdau Gerdau is a global steel leader and a stable, dividend-paying company listed on the NYSE. Sustainability is in our DNA—up to 96% of our North American steel is produced from recycled scrap, and we deliver some of the lowest embodied carbon steel in the U.S. A Day in the Life Morning starts with a safety huddle on the melt shop floor. You walk the line with production and maintenance leaders, using fresh process data to pinpoint reliability risks. By mid-morning, you're mapping a root cause on a fishbone diagram and updating standard work. After lunch, you're reviewing CAPEX timelines with project stakeholders, then coaching a cross-functional team through a Lean kaizen to reduce variation. You end the day aligning KPIs with plant leadership for the next improvement sprint. What You'll Do Own and deliver CI projects that elevate melt shop performance—safety, quality, throughput, cost, and reliability. Mine production/process data to uncover trends, opportunities, and recurring issues; drive corrective action using data-driven problem solving. Reduce variability and improve operational reliability through Lean, Six Sigma, and structured root cause methods. Create, roll out, and sustain process standards, best practices, and systems. Plan and execute CAPEX initiatives; manage scope, timelines, and stakeholder engagement. Partner with production, maintenance, and leadership to optimize equipment, processes, and plant performance. Facilitate training in continuous improvement and problem-solving techniques. Coach teams on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, QIS, Failure Analysis, and related toolsets. Support annual planning, goal setting, and site-wide strategic improvements. Serve as a technical consultant to operations on process optimization and performance improvement. Champion a strong safety culture and environmental compliance every step of the way. What You Bring Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Materials Science, or related field with 3-5 years' relevant experience; OR High School Diploma/GED with 6-8 years' relevant experience. Background in heavy industrial or process manufacturing; knowledge of standardization and production quality methods. Steelmaking/melt shop expertise preferred; experience in scrap processing, melting, casting, rolling, maintenance, finishing, or similar operations. Track record leading continuous improvement and process optimization. Experience planning or supporting CAPEX projects. Fluency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and quality improvement approaches. Clear communicator, strong presenter, capable coach, and influential leader across all levels. Skills & Tools Data Analysis and Manipulation Continuous Improvement Troubleshooting Skills Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) Process Engineering Production Optimization Lean Manufacturing Principles Six Sigma Experience Investment Casting (Foundry Operations) Process Development CAPEX Operational reliability Root cause Systems You'll Use SAP Benefits That Start Day One Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision coverage (eligible on your first day) Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 100% 401(k) match up to 6% Life and Accidental Death Insurance, STD, LTD Paid Parental Leave Health Advocate Services and Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement Program Career Path system with robust training An open, empowering culture with room to grow and create Ready to Build What's Next? If you're eager to lead change, solve complex problems, and shape the future of steel manufacturing, we want to hear from you.