Plant Director

Job description

What you’ll do Niron Magnetics is seeking a hands-on, execution-driven Plant Director with proven leadership experience in a chemical or process manufacturing environment to lead operations at our new Sartell, MN manufacturing facility. This role will begin as a key leader supporting plant start-up and commissioning and will transition into full ownership of site operations once the facility is operational. You will play a critical role in building the foundation of the plant and then leading it to sustained, high-performance execution. Start-Up & Operational Readiness (Pre-Production Phase) • Partner with start-up and engineering teams to support commissioning, equipment installation, and production ramp. • Help stand up core operational systems, including safety programs, SOPs, maintenance plans, and production workflows. • Recruit, onboard, and train the initial operations team in preparation for launch. • Ensure readiness across staffing, processes, and systems to enable a successful transition to production. • Support knowledge transfer from pilot operations into scalable plant execution. Plant Operations & Production Ownership (Post-Start-Up) • Assume full ownership of day-to-day plant operations, including production, maintenance, and materials flow. • Deliver against production targets for output, yield, and on-time delivery. • Establish and monitor KPIs to drive operational performance and accountability. • Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks to ensure consistent throughput and efficiency. Safety, Quality & Compliance • Build and sustain a world-class safety culture from start-up through steady-state operations. • Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and company safety standards. • Own plant quality systems to ensure products meet all specifications and customer requirements. • Implement corrective and preventive actions to address safety and quality issues. Team Leadership & Culture • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing plant team across operations, maintenance, and support functions. • Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance management systems. • Reinforce Niron’s culture, values, and mission as the site scales. • Partner with the People Team on workforce planning, engagement, and retention. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement • Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant. • Drive improvements in efficiency, cost, yield, and cycle time. • Standardize processes and ensure disciplined execution of operating procedures. • Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making and performance management. Systems, Processes & Infrastructure • Stand up and optimize plant systems, including ERP, MES, and maintenance programs. • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions. • Ensure robust preventive and predictive maintenance programs are in place. • Build scalable infrastructure to support future growth and capacity expansion. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner closely with engineering, R&D, and start-up leadership to ensure successful process transfer and ramp. • Collaborate with supply chain to ensure material availability and inventory optimization. • Align with corporate leadership on production goals, timelines, and strategic priorities. • Serve as the primary operational leader for the Sartell facility within Niron Magnetics. Financial & Performance Management • Own plant-level financial performance, including labor, materials, and operating costs. • Develop and manage operating budgets and capital expenditure plans. • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining safety and quality standards. • Report on plant performance and provide insights to senior leadership. What You’ll Bring • Unit or site leadership in a permitted chemical or process plant handling hazardous materials, including DCS-controlled operations, PHA/MOC discipline, and planned turnarounds. • 12+ years of manufacturing operations leadership, including a site-level leadership role. • Process safety experience in hydrogen, ammonia, or comparable service. • Hands-on experience commissioning and starting up a new plant or production line. Nice to Have • Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment. • Strong track record of driving safety, quality, and operational performance. • Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and applying them in practice. • Ability to operate both strategically and tactically, with a hands-on leadership approach. • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across all levels of an organization. • Experience in a start-up, greenfield, or high-growth manufacturing environment. • Ownership of site-level P&L or plant financial performance. Our Pay and Benefits • Salary range: $170,000-210,000 based on experience, skills, and education • Equity position in Niron via stock option grant • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance • Mental healthcare • 401k plan with company match • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays • Experience in a fun, high-performing, manufacturing environment Recruiters and Employment Agencies: Please note that Niron Magnetics does not accept unsolicited resumes from external agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our career site, hiring managers, or employees will be considered the property of Niron Magnetics. Consequently, we reserve the right to hire these candidates at our discretion without any financial obligation to the submitting agency. The following notices apply only to positions involving access to export-controlled technology, technical data, or CUI as determined by the nature of the role and applicable program requirements Export Control / ITAR Notice This position may require access to information, technology, or technical data controlled under U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR, 22 C.F.R. Parts 120–130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR, 15 C.F.R. Parts 730–774), as well as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) as defined under 32 C.F.R. Part 2002. Where such access is required, the Company will evaluate all available license exceptions and exemptions before determining that a formal export authorization is necessary. If an export authorization is required, the Company will determine, based on legitimate business and regulatory considerations alone, whether to pursue one. The Company is not obligated to seek an export authorization in every circumstance, and any decision regarding authorization will never be based on a candidate's citizenship status, immigration status, or national origin. Each candidate's eligibility will be evaluated individually through a consistent, documented review process. The Company complies fully with all applicable federal anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.), the anti-discrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1324b), and Executive Order 11246 as implemented by 41 C.F.R. Part 60. The Company does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, citizenship status, or immigration status in any aspect of employment. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) This role may involve access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Candidates selected for roles involving CUI will be required to comply with all applicable safeguarding and handling requirements, including those under NIST SP 800-171 and any governing contractual obligations. About Niron Niron Magnetics is commercializing the first new magnetic material in decades powered by its breakthrough material formulation and advanced manufacturing process. The company’s proprietary magnet technology based on Iron Nitride enables magnets that are inherently high magnetization, free of rare earths and other critical materials, and solve supply chain reliability challenges, will drive innovation in various industries. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Niron Magnetics is comprised of a team of professionals with a desire to make a positive impact on the global community. We were named one of “America's Top GreenTech Companies” for 2024 and 2025 by TIME Magazine and the “Innovation of the Year” at the 2025 mHUB Fourth Revolution Awards. Our team is made up of people who think big, dare to innovate, and strive to impact the planet through technological innovation for our customers. Ready to work alongside amazing people, solve complex problems, and leave a legacy? Join our team.