Valve Shop Manager

Iron Horse Rail•Beaumont, TX

1d•$75,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Iron Horse is seeking an experienced Valve Shop Manager to oversee its valve repair and rebuilding operations. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on the overall performance of the valve shop, encompassing production planning, workflow management, quality control, safety protocols, documentation, employee development, and continuous process improvement. The position requires a strategic manager capable of overseeing the entire operation, including planning work, allocating resources, analyzing production and quality data, developing staff, resolving issues, and ensuring operational efficiency. While railcar valve experience is advantageous, proven management ability in other production, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, or industrial settings is highly valued.

Requirements

Proven experience managing employees in a production, manufacturing, repair, maintenance, or industrial environment.
Experience managing through Leads, Supervisors, Foremen, or other frontline leaders.
Demonstrated ability to plan work, allocate resources, manage workflow, and improve productivity.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Experience reviewing production records, work orders, inspection records, or other operational documentation.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify root causes of operational problems.
Ability to establish processes and hold others accountable.
Strong computer skills and comfort with production documentation and business systems.
Ability to communicate effectively with employees, management, customers, and other departments.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and accountability.
High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing a valve repair, rebuilding, testing, or industrial repair operation.
Railcar valve repair or railcar maintenance experience.
Knowledge of AAR interchange rules and FRA requirements related to railcar inspection and repair.
Experience with process valves, actuators, pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Experience reading technical manuals, drawings, specifications, and procedures.
Previous experience developing or improving SOPs and production processes.
Experience in a regulated or quality-sensitive industry.
Railroad experience.

Responsibilities

Manage Shop Operations: Direct daily valve shop operations including teardown, rebuilding, assembly, testing, and inspection. Plan and prioritize work to ensure efficient production and meet deadlines. Coordinate manpower, materials, equipment, and workflow for maximum productivity. Identify and resolve bottlenecks to improve throughput and efficiency. Monitor shop performance and report to Plant Management. Maintain staffing levels and communicate hiring/training needs.
Lead Through Your Team: Direct and develop Leads responsible for Teardown, Rebuild, and Assembly. Set clear expectations and hold Leads accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and performance. Train and coach Leads for effective team management. Develop consistent processes and expectations across work areas. Foster a team culture of accountability, quality, safety, and job completion.
Quality, Compliance & Documentation: Ensure compliance with AAR, FRA, DOT, customer, and company requirements for valve repair and testing. Oversee inspection, testing, and documentation for accurate records and traceability. Review and address errors in production and inspection documentation. Develop, maintain, and improve SOPs and work processes. Collaborate with Quality Assurance to resolve issues and prevent recurrence. Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of testing equipment.
People & Performance: Train, coach, mentor, and evaluate valve shop employees. Address performance, attendance, safety, quality, and conduct issues. Identify and develop employees with leadership potential. Promote a professional, accountable, and safety-focused work environment. Communicate effectively with employees, management, customers, and leadership.
Inventory & Equipment: Monitor inventory of valve components, repair parts, and consumables. Ensure material availability for production support. Monitor the condition and availability of shop equipment, tools, and testing apparatus. Identify equipment or tooling needs and make recommendations to Plant Management.