Aurubis – metallurgy is our passion. We are a leading global multi-metal company and one of the largest copper recyclers worldwide. We process complex metal concentrates, scrap metals, and metal-bearing recycling materials into metals of the highest purity. These metals serve as the basis for key megatrends such as digitalization, renewable energies, e-mobility, and urbanization. Aurubis has about 7,000 employees, production sites in Europe and the US, and an extensive worldwide distribution system. Join our team and promote progress together with us!
The Aurubis Richmond Production Manager is a key leader in turning ideas into results—guiding processes from early concept through implementation and ensuring smooth operations once in production. This role blends strategic planning with hands-on oversight, driving performance, safety, and efficiency across the manufacturing process.
In this position, you will:
- Oversee day-to-day production activities, ensuring targets for quality, output, and cost are met.
- Lead process improvements to boost productivity, reduce downtime, and optimize resources.
- Coordinate closely with operations, maintenance, supply chain, and other departments to deliver seamless production flow.
- Lead standardized and advanced process engineering for metallurgical or chemical equipment.
- Expand the organization’s process engineering capabilities.
- Support safe work practices, procurement specifications, supplier negotiations, and claims management.
- Manage project documentation and partner with teams to ensure operational readiness for new equipment or processes.
- Supervise manufacturing processes after commissioning to ensure consistent performance.
You will also work closely with the Production Director on departmental staffing, collaborating with local HR on administrative, hands-on, and personnel development needs.
Production Manager
Your Tasks
Provide daily coaching, feedback, and guidance to production staff.
Develop and execute training programs covering processes, health, safety, and environmental standards.
Motivate, engage, and empower employees to achieve objectives while fostering a culture of respect and collaboration aligned with Aurubis values.
Ensure the production team is fully staffed, retaining critical skills and knowledge.
Define clear roles, responsibilities, and KPIs for all production positions, and ensure accountability through the Production Manager.
Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring continuous improvement in occupational safety awareness.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations; act promptly on reported safety issues.
Identify and document unsafe practices or conditions, coordinate corrective actions with the HSE Manager, and monitor follow-up.
Serve as a role model for safe behavior, inspiring high safety standards among all team members.
Ensure all environmental requirements are met and address any deviations in coordination with the EHS Manager.
Actively participate in the Aurubis Operating System (AOS) program to drive performance improvements.
Identify opportunities to enhance production volume, safety, quality, efficiency, and environmental performance.
Coordinate with suppliers and contractors to develop improvement proposals and budget estimates.
Support decision-making on improvement priorities and monitor small projects through completion.
Collaborate on larger operational and engineering initiatives, supporting implementation and employee rollout.
Take a lead role in the “management of change” process within the production department.
Participate in daily production meetings, providing insights and recommendations.
Share best practices by attending seminars and networking with colleagues at other plants.
Partner with other departments to ensure smooth, efficient operations and strong cross-functional communication.
Work closely with HR on workforce planning, development initiatives, and organizational projects.
Contribute to special projects and other assigned tasks to support departmental and corporate objectives.
Your Profile
B.S./B.A in a comparable field is required.
Master’s degree in Metallurgy, Process Engineering, or comparable related area is highly preferred
Minimum of 7 years practical experience in related engineering/technology professions.
Work experience as a production engineer and/or manager, ideally in an international environment.
Profound understanding of chemical or metallurgical production processes and requirements.
Must be conversant in EPA/EPD and OSHA regulations.
Will be required to become an OSHA Train-the-Trainer level expert.
May be required to become (at minimum) Six Sigma, Yellow Belt level certified.
Must be able to successfully motivate staff to ensure production targets are met while maintaining quality standards.
Prove as a true SME (Subject Matter Expert) and solid hands-on experience/knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices in the workplace.
Operative trade-off decisions to accomplish project objectives under consideration of overall Aurubis strategy in the decision-making process.
Willingness to travel and offer flexibility.
Experience with relevant software tools (e.g., MS Office, simulation software, ERP Software).
Proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Experience with ISO 14001 and OSHA 18001/ISOO 45001.
Must exhibit exemplary communication skills.
Must exhibit a leader-coach mentality and act as a change agent with a team-oriented focus.
Must be able to demonstrate being a key leader within cultural change.
Capability to work under tight deadlines and high pressure while sustaining professional behavior.
Capable of maintaining relations with other departments and external relations.
Effectively communicate targets and goals to his/her team.
Give and take constructive feedback well.
Capability to clearly present information and influence or persuade others.
Proven problem-solving skills and high level of independence (in planning, organization, execution, and control).
Must be willing and physically able to observe and walk in a smelter environment.
Must be willing and physically able to work in varying cold and heat situations.
Could have times that are prolonged periods of walking, standing, and bending.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
Ability to travel throughout the facility as required to conduct audits and make observations
Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.
Required to reach and grasp with hands and reach with arms.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally if requested.
We Offer
Competitive Retirement Savings – 401(k) plan with generous company match to help you plan for the future
Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans with company cost sharing to support you and your family, starting you first day of employment.
Income Protection – Company-paid disability insurance for added peace of mind
Generous Paid Time Off – Robust PTO package including vacation and 13 paid holidays.
What does Aurubis stand for? Take a look here!
Aurubis is an employer that stands for diversity and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are made regardless of national or ethnic origin, religion and belief, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical impairment and social origin or any other legally protected characteristics of an individual.
