Manager III, Operations

Who we are:  

We're transforming one of the world’s oldest industries with cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach. Backed by top-tier investors and recognized by Time as one of the "best Inventions of 2024" and Fast Company as one of 2024's "Next Big Things in Tech", Electra is scaling rapidly and we're looking for bold, driven individuals to help us reshape the future of iron production. If you're ready to make a real impact in a company that's redefining heavy industry for a cleaner, smarter world, we want to hear from you.

What you will do:  

Electra is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Operations Manager to lead equipment operations and personnel at our new demonstration plant. This individual would play an instrumental part in the commissioning and startup of this first of a kind clean iron making demonstration plant. This role is responsible for leading the operations team as well as ensuring EHS compliance, quality, and efficiency of operations at the plant. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with industrial or manufacturing operations experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a track record of leading effective operational teams.

Location: will start in Boulder and move to Broomfield 

Responsibilities include:

• Leading the safety and quality programs throughout operations and promoting a zero injury culture
• Oversee daily operations of the plant, ensuring smooth execution of production plans
• Develop and implement operational procedures to optimize efficiency and minimize downtime
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance schedules with the ability to improve reliability and plant uptime
• Conduct risk assessments and audits with the ability to delegate and execute corrective actions as needed
• Lead and coach a team of supervisors, operators, technicians and contractors across multiple shifts to support a 24/7 operation
• Coordinate staffing schedules and training programs to support operational needs
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Track and report on key operational metrics (KPIs), including safety, quality, productivity, and downtime
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) to support operational tracking, documentation, and performance reporting
• Leverage production planning, scheduling, and reporting systems (MES or similar) to support execution of production plans, staffing, and maintenance coordination
• Prepare clear, executive-level operational reports and summaries for plant leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, and R&D teams to integrate new technologies and workflows into operations
• Troubleshoot and resolve process and equipment issues in partnership with engineering and maintenance teams
• Support the development, implementation, and auditing of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance, consistency, and scalability

What we need you to bring to the team:   

• Bachelor’s degree in technical field (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related discipline)
• 8+ years of overall experience in plant operations, manufacturing, or industrial production environments (excluding internships, co-ops or other school projects)
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a supervisory, lead, or management role, with responsibility for developing teams and performance management
• Strong understanding of process safety, equipment maintenance, quality control, and operational best practices
• Demonstrated ability to translate functional and business plans into operational processes, guiding execution to meet schedules, goals, and financial objectives
• Experience managing operations through established policies and procedures, with the ability to recommend improvements and drive change across departments
• Effective communicator and collaborator, able to partner across functions, present recommendations, and influence stakeholders at multiple levels
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, startup or scale-up environment, with familiarity in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies preferred

Compensation:   

• The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $100,000-$160,000 and may be more or less depending upon skills, experience, and education.