Asphalt Plant - Operations Manager

Kokosing Industrial•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

Kokosing Materials, Inc. is seeking an experienced, results-driven leader to oversee asphalt operational performance across a region. The role is responsible for safety, production, maintenance, team leadership, quality control, capital improvements, and financial performance. The Operations Manager ensures plants operate safely, efficiently, and profitably while supporting company growth objectives. The position calls for a hands-on leader who can build high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, manage capital projects, and deliver strong production results. The role oversees regional asphalt plant operations and supports area managers, plant operators, maintenance personnel, and the parts department. It includes setting and monitoring operational performance, developing employees, managing plant assets and budgets, and leading capital projects. The position may require extended hours, nights, weekends, and varying schedules during peak construction periods.

Requirements

20 years of experience in asphalt plant operations, aggregates, industrial manufacturing, or related industries.
15 or more years of leadership experience managing production teams and plant operations.
Demonstrated success leading safety, production, and maintenance.
Experience managing capital projects and annual capital expenditure budgets.
Strong understanding of asphalt plant operations, equipment, and production processes.
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to analyze operational data and implement process improvements.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and plant operating systems.
Knowledge of aggregates, liquid asphalt, RAP/RAS, mix designs, and material handling.
Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and varying schedules during peak construction periods.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
Experience with Astec, Gencor, Dillman, or similar asphalt plant systems.
OSHA 30 certification or equivalent safety training.

Responsibilities

Champion a safety culture with zero-incident expectations and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, applicable MSHA, and company safety standards.
Support area managers in conducting routine safety audits, inspections, and training programs; lead incident investigations and corrective actions; and promote employee engagement and accountability in safety initiatives.
Oversee regional asphalt plant operations to achieve production, quality, and delivery objectives.
Develop and support teams in executing production schedules to meet customer and operational demands.
Monitor throughput, plant utilization, downtime, production costs, and other key performance indicators; optimize plant efficiency, fuel consumption, and material usage.
Ensure asphalt mixes consistently meet specifications and quality standards.
Lead, coach, and develop area managers, plant operators, maintenance personnel, and parts department staff; build accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Ensure area managers recruit, train, and retain talent; conduct performance evaluations and succession planning; and promote employee engagement and professional development.
Direct preventive and predictive maintenance programs; coordinate major repairs, shutdowns, and equipment upgrades; and manage maintenance budgets and critical spare parts inventory.
Work with vendors and contractors to support equipment performance and longevity, and minimize unplanned downtime through proactive asset management.
Develop and manage annual capital expenditure plans and budgets; identify modernization, automation, and infrastructure improvements; and prepare ROI analyses and business cases.
Lead capital projects from planning through completion, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with operational goals.
Manage operating budgets and production costs; analyze performance metrics and identify productivity and cost improvements.
Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, and drive initiatives that improve operational efficiency and profitability.
Partner with sales and QC to meet company objectives.