Head of Manufacturing – Steel Plant

About the role

The client seeks a seasoned Head of Manufacturing to lead a steel manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Board, you will be responsible for overall operational performance, safety, profitability and strategic direction across melt shop, rebar mill and wire mill operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Melt Shop, Rebar Mill and Wire Mill.
• Ensure safe, efficient, uninterrupted production while meeting quality and delivery targets.
• Develop and execute production plans that maximise throughput and optimise plant capacity.
• Analyse workflows, equipment utilisation and resource allocation to improve efficiency and remove bottlenecks.
• Lead, mentor and develop a large multidisciplinary workforce including engineers, supervisors, technicians and operators.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous‑improvement initiatives to minimise defects and improve process capability.
• Oversee preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to maximise equipment reliability and plant uptime.
• Manage plant budgets, P&L performance and implement cost‑reduction and energy‑efficiency programmes.
• Support business growth by identifying new market opportunities and collaborating on expansion and product‑development projects.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Production or Industrial Engineering (post‑graduate qualifications advantageous).
• 20+ years of experience in steel manufacturing, with extensive hands‑on exposure to melt shops and rolling mills.
• Proven success in senior plant leadership or executive roles driving operational excellence.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams in a high‑performance environment.

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• Root‑cause analysis
• Preventative and predictive maintenance
• Production planning and capacity optimisation
• Budgeting and P&L management
• Energy‑efficiency and sustainability initiatives

What we offer

• Executive‑level responsibility with direct reporting to the Board.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a major steel facility.
• Competitive remuneration package aligned with senior leadership roles.