Refractory Area Supervisor Steelmaking

Location: Peoria, IL (on-site, rotating shift)

Reports to: Greg Patridge

Employment type: Full-time

Salary grade: SG19 (average starting range $52,072 - $78,108)

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Medical, dental, vision, additional voluntary benefits (accident insurance, critical illness, and employee, spouse, and child whole life). Flexible spending account (healthcare and dependent daycare), long term disability, and participation in employee assistance program (EAP).

Paid Time Off – vacation, sick leave, personal, holidays

Retirement Plans- 401(k) with company match. Eligible: 1st of the month following date of hire or immediate if date of hire is first of the month.

Career Growth – Opportunities for advancement and continuous learning.

Organizational Overview

Liberty Steel USA is a leading American steel manufacturer grounded in sustainability, innovation, and community. We forge steel that supports critical infrastructure and industrial growth while honoring a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to safety.

We strive to be the employer and supplier of choice in American steelmaking, driven by empowered people, advanced technology, and continuous improvement. Steelmaking has always evolved, and we view change as an opportunity to strengthen our operations, invest in our workforce, and improve how we work.

Safety is not a policy-it is a promise. In every decision, we prioritize the well-being of our people. We believe our strength lies in one another and in the communities we serve. Through responsible stewardship, we are committed to sustainable practices that protect our environment, support our workforce, and ensure long-term vitality for future generations.

Position Overview

The Refractory Area Supervisor is responsible for leading and coordinating all refractory operations that support the steelmaking process, with primary focus on Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), ladle, and tundish refractory systems. This position ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective refractory maintenance and performance while supervising hourly employees, supporting production goals, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous improvement in refractory life and operational reliability

Core Responsibilities:

Maintenance Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop hourly refractory employees to ensure safe and productive work practices.
• Provide day-to-day direction, coaching, performance management, and accountability for crew members.
• Administer and enforce company policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Manage workforce scheduling and staffing to support operational requirements.
• Collaborate with union personnel and maintain compliance with labor agreement requirements.
• Promote employee engagement, continuous improvement, and skill development within the refractory team.

Equipment & Shift Operations

• Oversee refractory operations supporting Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), ladle, tundish, and related steelmaking equipment.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate refractory maintenance and repair activities.
• Monitor refractory conditions and equipment performance to maximize availability and reliability.
• Ensure maintenance work is completed efficiently to minimize downtime and production interruptions.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve refractory life, reduce consumption, and lower operating costs.
• Support production objectives by maintaining operational readiness of refractory assets throughout each shift.

Communication & Coordination

• Prepare and communicate daily refractory and operational status reports.
• Coordinate work activities with production, maintenance, operations, engineering, and contractor personnel.
• Communicate priorities, expectations, and performance objectives to employees.
• Work closely with vendors and suppliers to support refractory performance, inventory needs, and technical improvements.
• Participate in problem-solving efforts and continuous improvement initiatives across departments.

Safety, Quality & Operational Performance

• Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct workplace inspections and address unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Maintain high standards of quality, housekeeping, and operational discipline.
• Monitor department performance against production, quality, cost, and efficiency goals.
• Investigate issues impacting safety, quality, or productivity and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational reliability, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Ensure all refractory work supports safe, consistent, and high-quality steelmaking operations.

Qualifications

Candidates interested in this role should have the following qualifications:

• Associates degree of equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
• 1+ year of experience in a steel mill or heavy industrial manufacturing environment
• Prior lead or foreman experience preferred
• Working knowledge of melting, casting, or rolling operations
• Experience in a unionized environment strongly preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required; with a minimum of 3 years' experience in melting, casting, refractory.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills under pressure

Success In This Role

Success in this role requires a hands-on, decisive leader who earns the trust of the crew through consistency and fairness. The Turn Foreman must balance production demands with an unwavering commitment to safety, staying calm and clear-headed when issues arise mid-shift. Strong communication, sound judgment, and visible presence on the floor are essential to keeping the turn running safely and efficiently.