Drilling Manager

Vulcan Materials Company; Kennesaw (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Materials Company seeks a Drilling and Blasting Manager to lead a team of blasting professionals, develop safe and efficient blast designs, and oversee multiple projects across mining operations. You will drive strategic planning, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production.

Candidate must have a mining or civil engineering background, state blasting license, and a track record of leadership in hard rock environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining or Civil Engineering; 5+ years in hard rock mining/quarrying preferred.
• State blasting license and ability to obtain ATF employee possessor status.
• Proven leadership and team-building abilities; strong communication and safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple direct reports and provide leadership, training, and supervision for drilling and blasting staff.
• Develop and implement drilling and blasting strategies and plans with safety and cost considerations.
• Provide blasting design expertise, guidance, and approval; assess shot designs for safe, efficient results.
• Drive continuous improvement in blasting operations and maintain compliance with MSHA, ATF, and local regulations.
• Interface with external contractors, procurement, and regulators to optimize cost per ton and safety outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Communication

Safety Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining or Civil Engineering

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Blast design software

Modeling tools

Job description

Build Your Career. Build America’s Future.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. When you join Vulcan, it’s more than starting an exciting career – you get to make a difference for millions of people every day across the country.

We're Coming Back Together To Be Together

100% In Office

At Vulcan Materials, we believe that the heart of our success lies in the strength of our engagement, our connection, and our commitment to developing our people. We are excited to restore the collaborative in-person environment that fuels our innovation and growth. This move is not just about being physically present; it’s about reigniting the spirit that comes from face-to-face interactions, fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture where every voice is heard and everyone thrives.

Job Summary

Drilling and Blasting Manager is responsible for managing and directing the Drilling and Blasting Program, and team of Area Blasters. Key areas of responsibility include providing drilling and blasting strategy as the Subject Matter Expert with multi-drilling and multi-blasting plan management experience. The Drilling and Blasting Manager will be expected to drive a consistent approach, and continuous improvement to safety, community relations, and internal customer support as well as create strategic plans and manage initiative prioritization for the Drilling and Blasting strategy. Additionally, works within a team-based organization supported by safety, health and environmental, finance, human resources, community and governmental relations, legal, marketing, procurement, logistics, information technology, and engineering.

Essential Functions

• Manage multiple direct reports providing strong leadership, training, team building, and supervision to all drilling and blasting employees to support the drilling and blasting function.
• Provide guidance on all recruitment, training, development, and retention strategies for employees.
• Provide blasting design expertise, guidance, and approval.
• Develop and assess shot designs providing safe, efficient, and productive blasting results.
• Develop and implement drilling and blasting strategies and plans.
• Implement and sustain a cost-effective blasting program that improves pit and front-end costs including loading and hauling while ensuring the safety of all personnel.
• Utilize mine planning resources to integrate blasting, haulage profiles, and development to maximize long‑term efficiency and safety.
• Manage drilling costs and utilization as it relates to blast design.
• Ensure that all drilling and blasting programs are in compliance with Vulcan’s safety, environmental, operations policies, and procedures.
• Direct process improvement goals and objectives supporting drilling and blasting initiatives to ensure that safety, productivity, and efficiency goals are met; establish and measure performance standards.
• Continue to evaluate internal and external resources used for the D&B program to ensure we are achieving the lowest cost per ton and implement changes when recognized.
• Assist operations, third‑party seismic consultants, and safety representatives in the resolution of all blasting‑related issues.
• Build and lead a team that uses data to drive pit efficiency improvements.
• Take an active role in prioritizing safety for yourself and others to ensure all drilling and blasting efforts result in zero accidents and are in total compliance with all Vulcan policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all ATF, MSHA, State, and Local Agency requirements related to explosives storage and handling.
• Work closely with regulatory agencies through the State governments and ISEE to maintain positive relationships.
• Work with procurement resources to safely achieve the lowest cost per ton.
• Liaison and advisor for third‑party shot and explosion services/product suppliers.

Critical Competencies

• Attention to Detail - Ability to thoroughly and accurately complete tasks; meticulous and precise when handling information, and is critical in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and integrity of the results.
• Project Management - Planning, organizing, and executing logistics projects effectively.
• Technical Expertise (equipment) -Solid mechanical understanding of equipment, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction, understand and report them to the maintenance team.
• Time Management - Ability to plan, prioritize, and effectively utilize time to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve goals efficiently; balancing multiple responsibilities, managing distractions, and ensuring that time is used productively.
• Work Ethic - Committed to high‑quality work, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and personal responsibility in fulfilling job duties.
• Analytical Thinking - Ability to break down complex problems, situations, in order to understand underlying patterns, identify key issues; examine information logically, question assumptions, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

Responsibilities

Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Mining or Civil Engineering is preferred, though not always required depending on experience level.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.

Experience

• 5 years of experience in hard rock mining/quarrying industry experience.
• State blasting license and the ability to obtain and maintain ATF employee possessor status.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant safety regulations (MSHA, ATF) and environmental standards.
• Experience in blast design, haulage fleet oversight, and primary processing.
• Must be able to provide strong leadership and guidance to employees, direct and indirect reports, to motivate and maintain interpersonal relationships.
• Must be an excellent motivator and team builder. Must be able to form strong social relationships and effectively communicate with both internal and external audiences.
• Must have strong communication skills in representing the company in public meetings and addressing drilling and blasting‑related issue resolution.
• Create computer‑driven blast designs and modeling.
• Provide strong leadership skills by possessing the ability to motivate and provide mentorship to all employees, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Interface, oversight, and coordination responsibilities with external contract drillers.

Other Requirements

• Work at mine facility with exposure to elements. Ability to wear PPE while in mine facilities.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to safety regulations.
• Support Community Relations Representative with all inquiries involving blasting related incidents and development of recommendations to prevent future issues or recurrences.
• Demonstrates the ability to react quickly and effectively to changing circumstances, new information, or urgent requests, adapting approaches and priorities as needed to ensure timely and appropriate action.

JD Disclaimer

Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.