Description: The ideal candidate will be exceptionally detail oriented and able to lead a team, serving as liaison between plant workers and upper management. This person must be dedicated to achieving operational excellence through the implementation of the appropriate manufacturing practices and have a genuine interest in helping the company succeed. Coordinates With:

• Vice President Production, Regional Production Manager, Corporate Accounting, Corporate Office Managers, Sales Managers, Distribution Manager, Supervisors, Plant Office Staff and various outside consultants as required.

Function:

• The primary responsibility of this position is to oversee, manage and continuously improve the operations of brick manufacturing and distribution for the facility to increase the competitiveness of the Company. To improve the plant performance and the production processes with the implementation of proven plant management methodologies and to minimize manufacturing cost variances to guarantee the profitability of the plant.
• Key duties include ensuring the development and implementation of the Operational Management system that include Plant Daily Fundamentals: Safety, Quality, Productivity, Housekeeping, adherence to production plan, Preventive Maintenance and cost management initiatives. In addition, this role will be responsible for the development of the team, building strong relationships with support areas, satisfying customers, communicating, knowing, controlling and improving the cost performance, and to support and participate on the strategic investments and projects of the Company to support the Strategy as well as growing the business. The role as Plant manager is a hands-on position requires a working knowledge of electrical/mechanical equipment and ceramic production processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To promote a culture of Safety and environmental responsibility in the Location and among the production team.
• Plan and coordinate all manufacturing resources to deliver the expected financial results.
• Ensure that production line schedules are in accordance with facility capabilities, customer requirements, and financial planning.
• Manage materials replenishment, quality standards, and performance metrics in support of organizational goals and objectives.
• Manage cost structures for manufacturing by keeping operational expenses within budget allowance and investigate and implement cost-reduction measures.
• Create documentation protocols and ensure that all records of operations are properly maintained and reviewed to optimize the performance of the operation and increase the knowledge equity of the Company and promote the sharing and extension of the best production practices.
• Establishes, maintain and implement metrics that guide in the reduction of costs, improve efficiencies, quality, adherence to production schedules, and drive improvements on KPI such us Quality, Labor productivity, Downtime reduction, and inventory accuracy.
• Responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Plant Daily Fundamentals: Safety; Quality; Productivity; Housekeeping; Preventive Maintenance, People development and promoting an adequate organizational climate through open permanent communication with the Plant team.
• Hold daily meetings with all plant supervisors to ensure efficient operations, ensure the implementation of the Operational plan and enhance communications within the team.
• Manage capital resources, and direct capital expenditure programs in conjunction with the Business Daily Fundamentals
• Coordinate plant policy with corporate policy to develop and implement programs and policies to be followed by all plant employees.
• Hire, train, develop and motivate the best possible talent for the business, including hourly, Supervisory and Administrative Staff. Coaches and develops staff to ensure employee goals across all levels of the Organization to ensure that those are aligned with the Company’s objectives and Strategy.
• Manage and supervise a wide range of jobs with crews working at different locations throughout the Plant.
• Review performance reports with supervisory staff; identify variances from Plant Budget and institute corrective action when necessary.
• Cooperate with Safety Manager to develop a safety conscious climate and culture on the part of all personnel by encouraging good housekeeping and following all safety policies.
• In the case of Union Facility, participate in negotiating Union Agreements and handling of any grievances arising from actions considered to be contrary to such agreement.
• Coordinate with the Distribution Manager and Sales Manager on available products and customer complaints and develop production schedules which satisfy customer requirements regarding optimum plant operation efficiency.
• Advise VP of Production and/or Regional Production Manager of production status, problems and opportunities for improvement and prepare monthly reports as appropriate
• Responsible to keep the plant OSHA, MSHA, EPA, and DER compliant
• Keep informed of all Government Rules and Regulations and how they apply to the Brick Industry
• Keep informed of new procedures that may be pertinent to reducing operating costs and to the natural gas market and purchase prices.
• Responsible for management of raw materials, production, quality control, and all inventoried products
• Direct all mining manufacturing storage and shipping activities from the quarries.
• Actively participate in local civic affairs and business organizations to convey the Company’s interest in community betterment.
• Prepare Capital projects for submission to Regional Production Manager and Vice President of Production as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Good oral and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills such as analyzing and problem solving skills
• Ability to recommend and manage capital projects
• Computer skills, i.e. Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel and Powerpoint.
• Ability to work with and through Plant maintenance with outside contractors, and production personnel at all levels to achieve corporate goals.
• Ability to manage, coach, train and motivate personnel at all levels.
• A desire to develop and work in a team environment on all plant related issues

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• College or Technical Degree and 10 years of experience in operations management, business, engineering from maintenance to quarrying with a high level of technical/production engineering skills.
• Engineering degrees are preferred with a preference for ceramic or materials engineering or strong experience in heavy clay, whitewares or tile.
• Proven Leadership skills and demonstrated understanding and application of Lean manufacturing principles or of equivalent methodologies.
• General knowledge of all maintenance fields: mechanical, electrical, burning, welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, as well as electronic pumping, compressed air, and vacuum systems.
• Training and/or experience in: budgeting, quality assurance, cost management, drying and firing instrumentation, fuel consumption control, computerized equipment installation and troubleshooting equipment.
• Training and/or experience in OSHA, MSHA, EPA, and DER compliance.
• Office suite proficiency (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)