Operations Manager In Training

The Manager-in-Training (MIT) Operations is a developmental role designed to prepare high-potential individuals for a future leadership position within operations at State Steel. This position provides hands-on experience across all aspects of service center operations, including warehouse management, logistics, safety, inventory control, and team leadership. The MIT will work closely with leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business while developing the skills necessary to lead teams, drive efficiency, and support company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Learn and assist with daily operations across warehouses, fabrication, traffic, and driver functions across multiple shifts
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of all operational processes, equipment, and workflows, including cranes, processing equipment, and production lines
• Understand and establish clear expectations for productivity, accuracy, and safety across all teams
• Support a team-oriented environment focused on customer satisfaction
• Shadow Operations Managers and Supervisors throughout the company in effort to gain knowledge and best practices.

Customer & Sales Support

• Ensure all customer-specific requirements (packaging, delivery, specifications) are understood and consistently met
• Collaborate with sales teams to resolve customer issues, delivery challenges, and service concerns
• Act as a key escalation point for customer complaints and service-related issues

Cross-Branch Coordination

• Partner with other branches and branch managers to fulfill material needs and resolve operational challenges
• Identify recurring issues and implement long-term solutions
• Coordinate inter-branch inventory movement and priorities

Logistics & Traffic Oversight

• Understand and manage inbound and outbound logistics, including truck routing, rail, and reload operations
• Provide support and backup for traffic coordination and scheduling
• Ensure efficient truck loading practices, including proper weight distribution and route planning
• Coordinate multi-stop delivery considerations to ensure safe and efficient unloading

Inventory & Systems Management

• Oversee inventory accuracy and discrepancy resolution
• Investigate and resolve inventory variances, including research into historical transactions and system data
• Serve as a key point of contact for inventory-related questions and system inquiries
• Maintain strong working knowledge of operational systems (e.g., Metaltraq transitioning to SAP)

Production & Order Flow Management

• Establish standards for order picking, processing, and packaging timelines
• Ensure proper workflow coordination between warehouse, fabrication, and shipping
• Monitor and manage order prioritization to meet customer deadlines
• Oversee processing schedules and ensure alignment with demand

Team Management & Accountability

• Lead, coach, and develop employees across multiple functional areas
• Address performance issues and conduct difficult conversations when necessary
• Ensure team members have clear direction and accountability
• Act as the primary problem solver for operational challenges

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Learn to serve as the central point of contact for operational issues across the organization
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements
• Lead efforts to resolve complex operational and customer-related challenges
• Drive proactive communication and solutions across departments

Additional Responsibilities

• Approve invoices and support financial oversight within operations
• Manage product-specific workflows, including flat roll, plate, and coil processing coordination
• Support quality processes and non-fabrication quality concerns when needed
• Oversee claims management related to materials and mill issues
• Provide backup support across key operational roles (traffic, processing, order entry, etc.)
• Coordinate sample processing and testing requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong understanding of warehouse, logistics, and manufacturing operations
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
• High level of accountability and ownership

Preferred:

• Experience in steel distribution or related industry
• Knowledge of ERP systems (Metaltraq, SAP, or similar)
• Familiarity with inventory control and logistics planning
• Experience with production scheduling and order flow management

Key Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Operational Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Communication & Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
• Accountability & Ownership

Work Environment

• Primarily based in a warehouse and office setting
• Regular interaction with operations floor, equipment, and team members
• May require flexibility in hours to support multiple shifts
• Travel will be required to visit and learn from other location Managers.

Career Path

This role is designed as a pipeline into an Operations Manager or Supervisor position within State Steel. Progression will be based on performance, skill development, and business needs.  State Steel reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, readiness for placement, performance and skill development, and timing, location, and position of any potential promotion to Operations Manager or Supervisor position, or transfer to another role within the Company. This role is an at-will position.