Many professional roles are needed in the steel industry
The steel industry offers many different job roles. This means that people with different educational backgrounds and interests contribute to developing, producing and delivering advanced steel products. The industry unites features such as technology, digitalisation and sustainability with practical problem-solving and collaboration. Regardless of working area – whether research and production, logistics, business development or environmental protection – you will be a part of an industrial sector that creates value globally. This is what makes the steel industry such a stimulating workplace where one can make a difference.
The work in the steel industry starts from the needs of the customers. The products must meet strict requirements in terms of function and quality as well as delivery at the right time. To succeed in this task demands well-functioning processes, modern technology and a close interaction between people, production and equipment, often 24/7. At the same time, continuous efforts are made to develop new solutions, digital systems and working methods.
For this reason, many different competencies are required, both in terms of practical applications and theoretical understanding. Within the steel industry people work in areas such as marketing and sales, production control, maintenance, logistics, data analysis as well as development of products and business operations.
Operations are organised in several interconnected parts – from customer requirements and product development to the production process, delivery to the end-user and follow-up. Each job role is responsible for different parts of the process, but all contribute to creating a well-functioning whole.
Whether or not you are interested in engineering, problem-solving, production, research or customer and business relations there exist many opportunities within the iron and steel industry.
Below you will find examples of different work areas and job roles within the sector.
To develop and improve
Within the context of development and improvement, efforts are made to find new solutions as well as improving existing products and processes. This work takes place in close collaboration with production and marketing and is based on customer requirements, quality standards and production conditions.
Examples of work tasks:
- Developing new materials
- Analysing and enhancing production processes
- Using data and simulations for developing new working methods
Examples of job roles: development engineer, quality engineer and research engineer.
Production and production management
Day-to-day production involves making steel and steel products in processes that are often operating around the clock. The work involves ensuring stable processes over time and managing changes in material or production preconditions.
Examples of work tasks:
- Monitoring and controlling production processes
- Performing practical production tasks
- Working with automated systems and digital control systems
Examples of job roles: production engineer, machine operator and process engineer.
To maintain equipment and maximise operating reliability
In order for the production to function smoothly it is essential that equipment is dependable in operation and also accessible. The work includes both planned maintenance and adopting measures in the event of operating interruptions.
Examples of work tasks:
- Maintaining and repairing equipment
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Using digital systems for monitoring and preventive maintenance
Examples of job roles: maintenance technician, machine technician, electrician and maintenance engineer.
Planning and delivering
This area covers the planning and control of material and product flow through the plant operation - from incoming raw materials to delivery of finished products. This work requires co-ordination between several different parts of the operation and includes both short-term and long-term planning.
Examples of work tasks:
- Planning deliveries of raw materials for the production
- Planning production and warehousing
- Co-ordinating transportation to customers
Examples of job roles: logistician, buyer and raw material planner.
Business and customer relations
This area relates to the development and nurturing of relationships with customers and collaboration partners. The work is based on understanding customer needs and converting these requirements into products, services and deliveries.
Examples of work tasks:
- Working with sales and customer dialogue
- Follow-up of deliveries and agreements
- Developing offers and markets
Examples of job roles: sales person, business developer and product manager.
Business support
This involves creating preconditions for the different elements of business operations to operate efficiently. The work involves developing working methods, providing support to the organisation and contributing to the long-term development of the business.
Examples of work tasks:
- Working with finance, HR or communications
- Developing working methods and internal processes
- Supporting plant organisation and management
Examples of job roles: economist, HR specialist and communications officer.
Environment and safety
Within the environment and safety area, the work involves ensuring that operations are carried out in accordance with environmental, workplace environment and safety standards. The work covers both preventive measures and monitoring the effect of operations on people and the surroundings.
Examples of work tasks:
- Work on reducing emissions and energy consumption
- Development and follow-up of the workplace environment management
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Examples of job roles: environment specialist, HSE engineer and safety co-ordinator.
Many job roles within the steel industry require technical qualifications, for example in engineering. Read more about education pathways to the steel industry here.