Recycled Materials - Product Manager

ABOUT OPTA
From our roots providing sand to local foundries in the 1880's, Opta has grown to an international group of companies committed to delivering optimal results for our customers. Opta's purpose is to create solutions that enhance productivity and set new standards for industrial performance. Our mission is to consistently deliver custom-engineered additives, specialty equipment and technical expertise that solves complex challenges, optimizes process and drives long-term success.

OPTA CORE VALUES

• SAFETY: We put safety first on our processes, our products and our culture to protect people and ensure long-term operational success.
• PEOPLE: We invest in our people because their expertise drives the solutions that power our success.
• CUSTOMERS: We build lasting partnerships by understanding our customers' challenges and delivering customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
• INNOVATION: We continually seek smarter, more effective and innovative ways to deliver solutions, blending creativity, data-driven insight and practical application.
• SUSTAINABILITY: We engineer solutions with efficiency, responsibility, and sustainability as our foundation, optimizing performance today, while strengthening the resilience of tomorrow's operations.

Position Summary

The Recycled Materials - Product Manager will report directly to the Director of Sales Operations. They will be a highly autonomous contributor that will direct and manage the sourcing of all recycled raw materials for Opta USA North American locations. They will also be responsible for driving new opportunities along with the sales team based on customer demands and needs related to calcium aluminate and related recycled materials.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Identify and develop new business opportunities, specifically in the calcium aluminate product category.
2. Interact with Opta Site Managers through routine meetings, on site visits and offsite meetings to discuss the current and future needs of each plant’s recycled raw materials.
3. Interact with Mill Service Providers and slag sources to source Ladle Slag, Alumina units and MgO units.
4. Train Mill Service Provider personnel on the proper method of segregating Ladle Slag and Refractories, on site, when necessary.
5. Source Calcium Aluminate, Alumina and Magnesia units from wherever and whenever possible. Support the current and future Calcium Aluminate and Slag Conditioner business throughout the US and Canada.
6. Understand the value of each recycled byproduct, as well as the value of the scrap metal generated during the processing of these byproducts. Sell these scrap byproducts to the market, effectively and profitably.
7. Conduct specific market studies which include assessing competitive landscape and analyzing end user markets.
8. Consult with product development personnel on product specifications.
9. Negotiate pricing to be paid to suppliers of recycled raw materials. Collaborate with Opta logistics department to manage material movements.
10. Document monthly meetings with Service Providers and semi-monthly meetings with Opta site managers.
11. Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
12. Provide and coordinate technical assistance to existing & prospective customers as required.
13. Perform other related duties as required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related field or ten years’ experience in sales role involving byproducts from steelmaking facilities.
• Working knowledge of steel industry byproducts
• Working knowledge of segregation practices in refractory and slag market
• Background with manufacturing methods, process improvement programs and procedures required
• Strong attention to detail, team building, decision-making and people management skills
• Multitasking and time management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Interpersonal skills, along with written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literacy (MS Office with advanced Excel skills) Experience with IFS ERP system preferred
• Familiarity with industry standard equipment and technical expertise

Opta offers a diverse compensation and benefit package that includes the following:

• Extended Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account
• Life, AD&D, and Dependent Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Match
• Competitive Compensation Program
• On Demand Pay (Dayforce Wallet)

We thank everyone for applying however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Opta USA, an Opta Group Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age (40-70), national origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement).