Jason M Barta, PE
Hibbing,MN
Summary
Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with background in coordinating diverse teams and managing complex projects. Skilled in strategic planning, operational improvement, and fostering collaborative environments. Demonstrated ability to enhance efficiency and productivity while maintaining high standards of quality. Successfully implemented innovative solutions that resulted in positive organizational changes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Area Manager – Operational Excellence
United States Steel
05.2023 - Current
- Lead a team of 12 engineers specializing in process engineering and continuous improvement.
- Manage the facility's continuous improvement project portfolio, delivering $50M in sustaining cost improvements for two mining operations.
- Facilitate organization-wide transformation events to enhance employee engagement with site improvements.
- Drive transparency and accountability through monthly KPI reviews between the continuous improvement team and business unit leaders.
- Experienced with full-cycle Lean Six Sigma tools, including strategy deployment, DMAIC, agile, statistical analysis, root cause failure analysis, statistical process control, and graphical analysis.
Area Manager – Concentrator
United States Steel
11.2019 - 05.2023
- Led a team of 13 managers and 153 represented employees, overseeing operations and maintenance for Minntac’s iron ore concentrator.
- Supported a zero injury initiative through workforce engagement.
- Developed and managed an annual controllable spend budget of $100 million.
- Directed implementation of processing KPI dashboard to improve productivity and recovery performance.
- Launched the first site advanced analytics program, focusing on process modeling and constraint analysis to improve productivity.
Manager – Process Engineering
United States Steel
10.2015 - 11.2019
- Managed a team of 9 process engineers across two pelletizing facilities.
- Led large capital process improvements exceeding $10M in CAPEX.
- Coached team members and project leaders on process improvement and lean six sigma methodologies.
- Conducted biweekly KPI performance reviews with the technical and operational teams.
- Developed operating production plans based on plant performance capabilities and maintenance schedules.
Process Engineer
United States Steel
08.2006 - 10.2015
- Collaborated with and advised operational and mechanical teams on best practices to maintain high levels of productivity and processing efficiency.
- Executed operational adjustments to balance plant horsepower, achieving a 6.7% productivity increase without CAPEX.
- Developed an advanced process control system that improved SAG mill stability, generating $1M in savings on electricity and consumables.
- Implemented data visualization displays to connect operations with critical productivity, recovery, and quality metrics using PI ProcessBook.
Education
B.S. - Chemical Engineering
University of Minnesota
Duluth, MN12-2004
Skills
- Project management and continuous improvement
- Data analytics and statistical process control
- Operational excellence and change management
- Budget management and KPI development
- Team leadership and coaching
- Effective communication and visual management
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Operations and safety management
- Strategic thinking and attention to detail
Certification
- Professional Engineer (State of Minnesota) License #49145
- Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt
- USS Carnegie Way 201 Leadership Academy
Accomplishments
- 2020 Minnesota Mining Professional of the Year
Timeline
Sr. Area Manager – Operational Excellence
United States Steel
05.2023 - Current
Area Manager – Concentrator
United States Steel
11.2019 - 05.2023
Manager – Process Engineering
United States Steel
10.2015 - 11.2019
Process Engineer
United States Steel
08.2006 - 10.2015
B.S. - Chemical Engineering
University of Minnesota