Head - Permitting

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC•, IA

About The Position

About Mesabi Metallics When you join Mesabi Metallics, you become part of an ambitious growth journey that extends beyond mining and pellet production to the development of a next-generation integrated iron and steel manufacturing platform in the United States. Mesabi Metallics is developing a state-of-the-art iron ore mining and pelletization facility in Minnesota, designed to produce high-quality iron ore pellets and support the evolving requirements of the U.S. steel industry. The next major step in this journey is the development of an Integrated Steel Plant (ISP). This upcoming project is envisioned as a modern, technology-driven steel manufacturing complex that will integrate Mesabi's upstream iron ore and metallics capabilities with downstream steelmaking and value-added steel production. Together, these investments are intended to create a strategically integrated U.S. value chain—from iron ore and pelletization through DRI and steel manufacturing. This is therefore an exciting time to join Mesabi Metallics. Employees will have the opportunity to contribute not only to the development and ramp-up of a major mining and pellet operation, but also to the planning and execution of significant new DRI and integrated steelmaking projects. These projects will create opportunities to work across engineering, project execution, construction, commissioning, operations, technology and business transformation. Our commitment goes beyond building world-class industrial assets. We are equally focused on creating a safe and supportive workplace, promoting environmental stewardship, strengthening the communities in which we operate, and creating sustainable value for our stakeholders. Our culture is shaped by our core values of sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance. We encourage our employees to take ownership, challenge conventional thinking and contribute meaningfully to building the organization of the future. At Mesabi Metallics, you are joining the journey to build an integrated, next-generation U.S. iron and steel enterprise—and helping shape the future of American manufacturing. Position Summary The incumbent will be a senior leadership position responsible for leading the permitting and regulatory approval strategy for Integrated Steel Plant (ISP) projects, covering DRI, steelmaking, rolling mills, utilities, and associated infrastructure. The role will drive all major environmental, construction, operating, air, water, wastewater and other statutory permits, working closely with federal, state and local regulatory authorities to ensure timely approvals and full compliance. The incumbent will be accountable for developing the permitting roadmap, managing regulatory risks, and ensuring that permitting milestones remain aligned with the overall project schedule.

Requirements

20+ years of progressive experience in environmental management, sustainability, or regulatory compliance within integrated steel plants projects.
Proven leadership experience managing environmental programs in steel, metals or heavy industrial environments.
Expertise in water treatment systems, recycling technologies, and permitting processes.
Strong understanding of air emissions monitoring, reporting, and compliance systems.
Strong understanding of pollution control technologies for air and water systems.
Experience with ESG reporting, sustainability frameworks, and environmental audits.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical and decision-making ability.
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Environmental Science, Chemical, Civil Engineering, or equivalent filed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or Business Management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Define and lead the Group’s environmental and sustainability strategy for integrated steel plants and DRI, covering air emissions, water management, wastewater treatment, solid waste, and noise control.
Serve as the single point of authority for environmental review, approval, and governance of DRI-based steelmaking projects .
Integrate sustainability and environmental objectives into project design, engineering, construction, commissioning, and lifecycle management of integrated steel facilities.
Review, evaluate, and approve environmental designs, technologies, pollution control systems, and mitigation plans for new steel plant projects.
Establish and enforce group-wide environmental standards, frameworks, and performance benchmarks aligned with global requirements.
Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, EHS, metallurgy, utilities, and external consultants to ensure environmental controls are embedded into plant design and operations.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations (EPA, air permits, water permits, wastewater discharge norms, noise standards) as well as applicable international standards.
Lead Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), permitting strategies, regulatory submissions, and stakeholder engagements for DRI and integrated steel plants.
Monitor environmental performance and compliance across sites, proactively identifying and mitigating environmental and regulatory risks.
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for air emissions, water consumption, wastewater discharge, noise, and resource efficiency at plant and group levels.
Oversee sustainability reporting, ESG disclosures, environmental audits, and certifications, aligned with global frameworks such as ESG, GRI, TCFD, and CDP.
Present environmental performance, compliance status, risk assessments, and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership and the Board.
Identify, evaluate, and deploy innovative technologies for pollution control, water recycling, waste minimization, energy efficiency, and low-carbon / green steel initiatives.
Drive continuous improvement programs to reduce environmental footprint, enhance operational resilience, and support long-term decarbonization goals.
Build organizational capability through training, awareness programs, and cross-functional collaboration across integrated steel operations.