Plant Operations Leader: Lean, Safety & Cost Optimization

US Brick; Gleason (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

PTO

Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Short Term Disability

Job summary

US Brick is seeking a Plant Manager to lead daily brick manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. You will drive lean initiatives, manage budgets, and coordinate across departments to meet production goals.

The role requires 5–7 years of leadership in manufacturing, with strong P&L experience and knowledge of OSHA standards. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred. The position is on-site in Gleason, TN with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience and proficiency in manufacturing management considered.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment; brick, concrete, or heavy materials industry strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of driving efficiency improvements and managing P&L responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, kiln operations, and production scheduling.
• Solid knowledge of OSHA regulations and best practices in workplace safety.
• Effective leadership, team building, and personnel management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing and ERP software; SAP or similar systems preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage cross-functional teams.
• Ability to analyze production metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies (Lean, Six Sigma a plus).

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Monitor KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, safety, and continuous learning.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement training programs to enhance employee skills.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between departments.
• Enforce and promote a safe working environment, ensuring all safety protocols and regulations are followed.
• Oversee environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives within the plant.
• Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare and manage the plant's budget, ensuring cost control and financial performance targets are met.
• Analyze financial reports and production data to identify areas for cost savings and operational improvements.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate reporting and forecasting.
• Ensure all products meet or exceed customer expectations and industry standards.
• Implement and maintain quality control processes and procedures to minimize defects and rework.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to resolve any quality-related issues.
• Lead and participate in lean manufacturing initiatives and other process improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and implement best practices to improve plant performance.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Job description

• Location 4970 Old TN-22,Gleason, TN, 38229,United States
• Employee Type Exempt FT

Description

At US Brick, we are looking for team member who has a roll up the sleeves and get it done in a safe, efficient, and thoughtful manner work ethic. This leader oversees the daily operations of our brick manufacturing facility, ensures efficient production, maintains a safe work environment, and manages personnel and resources.

US Brick has a current vacancy to join our diverse and dynamic company as Plant Manager in . This role will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

What you will be doing:

• Manage and oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, and safety.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous learning.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement training programs to enhance employee skills.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between departments
• Enforce and promote a safe working environment, ensuring all safety protocols and regulations are followed.
• Oversee environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives within the plant.
• Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare and manage the plant's budget, ensuring cost control and financial performance targets are met.
• Analyze financial reports and production data to identify areas for cost savings and operational improvements.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate reporting and forecasting.
• Ensure all products meet or exceed customer expectations and industry standards.
• Implement and maintain quality control processes and procedures to minimize defects and rework.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to resolve any quality-related issues.
• Lead and participate in lean manufacturing initiatives and other process improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and implement best practices to improve plant performance.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
  

The required skills and education to be successful:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience and proficiency in manufacturing management considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment; brick, concrete, or heavy materials industry strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in managing production operations, maintenance, safety, and quality control systems.
• Proven track record of driving efficiency improvements and managing P&L responsibilities.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, kiln operations, and production scheduling.
• Solid knowledge of OSHA regulations and best practices in workplace safety.
• Effective leadership, team building, and personnel management skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing and ERP software; SAP or similar systems preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage cross-functional teams.
• Ability to analyze production metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies (Lean, Six Sigma a plus).

We offer a total compensation package to include:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Company paid Basic Life and Short Term Disability
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
  

Work is performed primarily in a standard manufacturing setting.

Production facilities are not climate controlled, and work is outdoors and indoors in all types of weather conditions and work environments.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand for extended lengths of time (i.e. flagging operations), walk, sit for extended lengths of time (i.e. operating equipment), drive, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, grasp, hold, and manipulate tools; talk and hear. The employee is routinely required to climb (i.e. ladders and stairs) and stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or stand on tip toes for extended lengths of time, and must routinely lift and/or carry up to 75 pounds alone, and up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus with or without ocular aids. The employee must be able to work in variable temperatures and weather conditions and near traffic with varying noise levels and with varying types of equipment and vehicles. The employee must have the ability to work around and tolerate heat and dust.

While performing the duties of this job the incumbent is regularly exposed to outside elements of wet and/or humid conditions, rain, and heat; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles. Requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather. The incumbent may occasionally work with electrical devices and exposed to vibrations and steady level of loud noises.

US Brick recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We are committed to equal opportunity and believe that inclusivity benefits us all. We actively seek and consider all qualified employment applications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sexual preference, partnership status, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and protected veteran status, status of participation in the U.S. Armed Services, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Individuals who hold legal work authorization applicable to employment in the United States will be considered without regard to citizenship/alienage. US Brick is an Equal Opportunity Employer, an E-Verify Employer and committed to Affirmative Action.

US Brick encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and members or veterans of the U.S. Armed Services to apply.