Tankhouse/Shipping Supervisor

Description

Position at Florence Copper

Job Description

Job Title: Tankhouse/Shipping Supervisor

Department: Operations

Reports to: Senior Supervisor

Location: Florence AZ

Job Summary

The Shipping / Tankhouse Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of copper cathode harvesting, tankhouse operations, and finished cathode shipping activities. This role supervises day-to-day electrowinning (EW) tankhouse operations including harvesting activities, crane and stripping machine operations, cathode quality control, short correction and detection, cathode handling, packaging, inventory coordination, and outbound shipment logistics.

The supervisor works closely with operations, maintenance, process control, warehouse, and logistics teams to ensure safe production, high-quality cathode output, operational reliability, and timely shipment of finished copper cathodes while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Tankhouse Operations

• Supervise daily electrowinning (EW) tankhouse operations, including harvesting and cathode handling activities
• Coordinate and oversee cathode harvesting cycles to ensure production targets and schedules are achieved
• Supervise overhead crane operations, including crane bale operations, cathode loading/unloading, and safe electrode movement throughout the tankhouse
• Oversee stripping machine operations, conveyor systems, and associated cathode handling equipment
• Monitor and ensure proper cathode alignment, placement, and handling during harvesting and stripping operations
• Coordinate short correction and short detection activities to maximize current efficiency and cathode quality
• Monitor tankhouse operating conditions and coordinate corrective actions with operations and maintenance teams
• Assist in troubleshooting operational issues related to harvesting systems, cranes, stripping machines, conveyors, rectifiers, electrolyte circulation, and cathode quality
• Ensure cathode production meets customer quality specifications and operational standards
• Support operational improvements focused on production efficiency, current efficiency, harvest timing, and equipment reliability
• Coordinate with maintenance and electrical teams to minimize downtime and support planned maintenance activities
• Maintain accurate production, harvesting, and operational records and KPIs
• Ensure housekeeping standards are maintained throughout the tankhouse and shipping areas

Shipping

• Supervise daily shipping operations for finished copper cathodes, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries
• Oversee cathode bundling, strapping, weighing, tagging, labeling, and staging activities
• Ensure proper preparation of shipping documentation including bills of lading (BOLs), packing lists, weight tickets, and inventory transactions if needed
• Monitor inventory accuracy and reconcile shipped quantities
• Ensure safe loading practices to prevent cathode damage during transport
• Inspect outgoing shipments for quality, count accuracy, and compliance with customer requirements
• Address and resolve shipping discrepancies, shortages, damages, or loading issues
• Maintain shipping logs, production reports, and operational KPIs

Leadership & Safety

• Lead, train, and supervise tankhouse operators, harvest crews, shipping personnel, contractors, and equipment operators
• Conduct safety meetings, pre-job reviews, and shift turnover communications
• Enforce compliance with company safety policies, environmental regulations, and operational procedures
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, lockout/tagout procedures, confined space requirements, and safe equipment operation practices
• Support development and implementation of SOPs, operational procedures, and training programs
• Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset throughout the department

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred
• 3-5+ years of experience in shipping, logistics, warehouse or electrowinning operations (EW) in mining, metals, or heavy industry
• Prior supervisory experience required
• Experience handling copper cathodes or similar bulk/finished metal products strongly preferred
• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and inventory control processes
• Knowledge of shipping documentation and transportation regulations

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• High attention to detail, especially in counts and documentation
• Solid understanding of cathode handling and damage prevention
• Effective communication and coordination skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability in a fast-paced environment
• Strong commitment to safety and compliance

Work Environment

• Industrial environment (refinery, warehouse, or mine site)
• Exposure to heavy equipment, forklifts, cranes, and outdoor conditions
• May require shift work, overtime, and weekend coverage

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to climb, bend, and work around heavy equipment

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally