Mill Products Director

Hoover & Strong – Mill Products Director Hoover & Strong (Chesterfield, Virginia)

Hoover & Strong, a family‑owned jewelry manufacturer and refiner, is looking for a director to oversee the Mill Products division, which includes melting and casting operations, sheet and wire fabrication, and solder production. This role is accountable for strategic planning, revenue expansion, cost optimization, and performance management across all functional areas. It is also responsible for product and process troubleshooting for both internal and external customers.

Primary

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible manufacturing management experience; experience with precious‑metal or fine‑metal processing preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of precious metals fabrication processes is essential.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and engineering problem‑solving abilities.
• Demonstrated proficiency in technical communication, including preparation of project plans and capital expenditure analyses.
• Ability to operate effectively in a high‑variability, fast‑paced production environment.
• Hands‑on leadership style with strong attention to detail and long‑term strategic thinking.
• Willingness to work extended or weekend hours when required to meet project deadlines or operational commitments.

Primary Responsibilities:

Corporate Responsibilities:

• Direct the Mill Products division as an independent operational unit, covering melting and casting, rolling, forming, and related manufacturing processes.
• Provide regular operational and financial reporting to the President and executive leadership, including a weekly division performance summary.
• Establish annual strategic objectives for both the division and personal leadership performance.
• Drive revenue growth and optimize net profit. Collaborate with internal and external sales channels to identify, target, and secure new business opportunities.
• Lead all personnel management activities, including recruitment, performance management, corrective actions, and separations when required.
• Oversee workforce planning, cross‑training initiatives, material availability, consumable usage, and maintenance requirements to ensure timely product delivery to customers.
• Participate in relevant technical conferences to remain current on advances in metallurgical processing, manufacturing technologies, and market trends.
• Determine and enforce all applicable regulatory, quality, and safety compliance requirements.

Alloy and Process Development:

• Identify, design, and implement new alloy systems, product configurations, and process improvements to enhance product performance, throughput, and cycle times.
• Promote continuous improvement by evaluating process flow, equipment capabilities, and operational methodologies.
• Prepare capital expenditure proposals that meet return‑on‑investment thresholds (maximum two‑year ROI).

Production Management:

• Diagnose and resolve manufacturing process deviations using structured root‑cause analysis and data‑driven problem‑solving methods.
• Ensure on‑time delivery of all products to internal and external customers; communicate schedule risks proactively to relevant departments.
• Review and update production lead times monthly based on capacity, backlog, and operational constraints.
• Maintain strict quality control to ensure customers receive highest quality products.
• Address customer concerns by analyzing technical issues and advising on process modifications when appropriate.
• Manage inventory levels for stock‑and‑release items and work‑in‑process materials, ensuring adequate supply for lead‑time requirements while maintaining controls on precious‑metal inventory levels.

Compensation: $120,000 to $125,000 a year, based on experience.

Our benefits package includes:

• Paid time off – 14 days (pro‑rated first year)
• Nine paid holidays
• Eligibility for 401k, with company profit‑sharing contributions
• Company contribution to your medical and dental plans
• Voluntary vision and supplemental insurance available
• Company‑paid tuition reimbursement for qualified courses
• Perform…