Plant/Production Manager-Construction Materials

Kimmel & Associates • Milwaukee, WI

1d • $125,000 - $150,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant/Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant production operations, from pre-production planning and scheduling through project completion. This individual will lead multiple production departments, including Plant Operations, Mold Shop, Inventory, Finishing, Stripping, and Batch Plant functions, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the Plant/Production Manager will collaborate closely with production leadership, quality, safety, engineering, and management teams to optimize workflows, improve productivity, implement Lean Manufacturing initiatives, and maximize profitability across the operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Operations Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, precast concrete, construction products, heavy industrial, or related production environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple production departments and supervisory personnel.
• Proven success leading Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, workforce planning, quality systems, and cost management.
• Experience managing budgets, labor efficiency, and profitability metrics.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in precast concrete manufacturing or related construction product manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Experience managing union and/or non-union production teams.
• Strong understanding of production planning systems and manufacturing KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily and long-range production planning and crew scheduling across all production areas.
• Coordinate labor, materials, molds, equipment, and production capacity to ensure efficient workflow.
• Maintain production schedules and planning systems to meet customer commitments and profitability objectives.
• Review project drawings and production requirements in advance to ensure readiness.
• Conduct daily production meetings and communicate priorities across departments.
• Direct day-to-day operations for all production, mold shop, inventory, stripping, finishing, and batch plant activities.
• Manage production schedules to maximize throughput, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards for supervisors and crews.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, and operational excellence.
• Ensure resources are aligned to support changing production demands and customer requirements.
• Identify and eliminate operational waste throughout the manufacturing process.
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
• Analyze labor utilization, workflow efficiency, and production metrics to improve profitability.
• Develop innovative solutions that enhance production capacity, quality, and operational performance.
• Partner with the Quality Manager to promote a culture of quality throughout the organization.
• Ensure quality standards and inspection procedures are consistently followed.
• Drive first-time quality performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Address root causes of quality issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Foster a workforce committed to producing best-in-class architectural precast products.
• Maintain accountability for labor performance and job profitability.
• Monitor actual production hours against estimates and budgets.
• Establish productivity goals and lead teams to meet or exceed performance targets.
• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the operation.
• Partner with the Safety Director to enforce safety policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, and workplace inspections.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing production personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development.
• Promote cross-training initiatives to strengthen workforce flexibility and capability.

Benefits

• Base salary of $125,000 – $150,000, depending on experience
• Relocation assistance available
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Stable and growing organization with long-term career advancement potential
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager