POSITION DESCRIPTION
President
HyCast, LLC | Fairfield, IA | Onsite
Job Title: President Location: Fairfield, IA (Onsite) Reports To: Board of Directors
Company Overview
HyCast, LLC is a premier U.S. foundry specializing in the production of high-quality gray and ductile iron castings. Committed to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence, HyCast drives innovation in the metal casting industry while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional quality products and integrating eco-friendly practices into our operations.
Job Summary
HyCast, LLC is seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary leader to serve as President with full accountability for both strategic direction and day-to-day operations. The President will assume end-to-end responsibility for setting and executing the company's strategic vision, driving growth, operational efficiency, and financial performance, while working directly with the Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate possesses a passion for innovation, a data-driven mindset, and the proven ability to build a high-performing team. This position offers the opportunity to shape the company's trajectory and — upon achieving profitability and elevating the foundry to a world-class standard — become a partner in the business, sharing in its financial rewards and securing long-term financial independence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
· Develop and execute the company's strategic plan to drive growth, profitability, and market leadership.
· Lead strategic planning with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to unify the company's vision, mission, and goals; establish key metrics for success and timelines for reaching financial stability.
· Execute a comprehensive investment plan to modernize the foundry, incorporating advanced technologies, automation, and cutting-edge systems.
· Identify and evaluate strategic partnerships, and growth opportunities that strengthen HyCast's competitive position and long-term sustainability.
2. Operational Leadership
· Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring production schedules are met, quality standards are upheld, and efficiency targets are achieved.
· Lead process development and continuous improvement efforts by creating standardized procedures, implementing best practices, and driving operational excellence throughout the organization.
· Implement and maintain safety, lean, and quality (ISO) practices, including support for environmental initiatives and EHS compliance.
· Engage with facilities planning, including potential upgrades to systems; evaluate facility improvements to support operational efficiency.
· Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory, and profitability, holding leaders accountable for results.
· Implement regular operating reviews and performance reporting processes to ensure alignment with company objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
· Work closely with IT to assess hardware and software needs, ensure appropriate workload management, and support systems integration to improve organizational data visibility.
· Ensure customer requirements are consistently met through world-class quality systems, on-time delivery performance, and responsive issue resolution.
3. Financial Oversight
· Collaborate with the Controller to develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and investment strategies that prioritize safety, HR, maintenance, quality programs, and environmental initiatives.
· Monitor financial performance and expenditures, making data-driven decisions to optimize resources and improve profitability.
· Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety.
· Identify and secure funding for modernization and expansion through strategic partnerships and public or private investments.
· Pursue grants, workforce development programs, and other public or private funding opportunities that support modernization, sustainability, and growth.
4. Team Leadership & Culture Development
· Build and lead a high-performing executive and operational team, promoting a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
· Cultivate an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to perform at their best.
· Develop and maintain clear organizational structures and workflows to enhance communication and operational effectiveness.
· Communicate effectively with employees, stakeholders, the Board of Directors, and local government organizations, fostering transparency and trust.
· Develop succession plans and leadership development programs to strengthen organizational capability and ensure long-term continuity.
· Promote employee training and professional development to enhance skills, engagement, and retention.
5. Human Resources
· Formalize HR processes and documentation including job applications, employee handbooks, holiday schedules, vacation accrual for hourly employees, 401(k) and benefits enrollment, employee review/assessment processes, I-9s, secure record keeping, confidentiality protocols, and organizational charts.
· Ensure HR practices support a diverse, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace.
6. Market Development & Customer Engagement
· Identify new business opportunities and expand market presence through strategic partnerships and proactive customer engagement.
· Stay informed on industry trends, the competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
· Oversee the company's digital presence, including the website and social media platforms, maintaining active engagement and promoting HyCast's brand image.
· Develop and execute marketing and brand strategies that strengthen HyCast's market presence and support business growth.
· Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, investors, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment with market needs and company goals.
7. Community & Stakeholder Engagement
· Establish a strong community presence by fostering partnerships and initiatives that create positive local impact.
· Represent HyCast in industry forums, advocating for advancements in technology, sustainability, and U.S. manufacturing leadership.
· Work closely with international stakeholders to align operational goals with the company's strategic vision, leveraging diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
· Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors regarding strategic initiatives, financial performance, operational metrics, risks, and key business developments.
8. Sustainability Initiatives
· Ensure compliance with all environmental permits and regulatory requirements while promoting responsible stewardship and sustainable manufacturing practices.
· Champion sustainability efforts throughout the organization, integrating eco-friendly practices into all operations.
9. Operational Excellence & Asset Management
· Establish and maintain robust preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
· Lead capital improvement and modernization projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.
· Prioritize investments to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), production capacity, and operational efficiency.
· Oversee purchasing, inventory management, and supplier relationships to ensure supply chain resilience and material availability.
10. Risk Management & Governance
· Develop and maintain systems of internal controls and risk management to protect company assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
· Identify and manage operational, financial, environmental, cybersecurity, and business continuity risks.
· Ensure effective corporate governance and provide timely reporting to the Board of Directors.
Qualifications
· Proven experience in a senior operational or executive leadership role within a manufacturing or foundry environment.
· Strong entrepreneurial mindset with experience in a startup or transformative environment, leading initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and organizational development.
· Expertise in production processes, quality systems (ISO), and lean manufacturing principles.
· Strong understanding of corporate finance, budget management, and performance management principles.
· Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a track record of fostering a high-performance culture.
· Strategic thinker with a demonstrated record of driving growth and innovation.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging and inspiring diverse teams and stakeholders.
· Commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Education
· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required.
· MBA or advanced degree preferred.
· Certifications in operations management, lean manufacturing, or related disciplines are a plus.
Benefits
· Competitive salary with performance-based incentives and bonuses.
· Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
· Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
· Opportunity to become a partner in the foundry, securing long-term financial independence and shared success.
HyCast, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.
Pay: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
