Plant Operations Manager

Job Description

The Site Operations Manager holds a critical leadership role with full accountability for managing and directing operations at an assigned site. This multifaceted position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including—but not limited to—oversight of safety programs, environmental compliance, site development, operational planning, financial monitoring, and employee development. This role requires a high degree of leadership, technical competence, and operational awareness to ensure compliance, productivity, and profitability within the facility.

The individual will be tasked with driving site performance in alignment with company goals and ensuring the location operates in accordance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality benchmarks. A successful Site Operations Manager leads by example, cultivates strong working relationships, promotes a safety-first culture, and actively seeks ways to improve efficiency and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership & Safety Management

Embody and consistently promote the company’s foundational values of Safety, Integrity, and Quality. Lead by example to reinforce a culture committed to safety and ethical behavior.

Actively champion the organization’s goal of achieving zero incidents by implementing safety programs, policies, and best practices tailored to the site’s specific risks.

Monitor and ensure adherence to internal safety policies and external safety regulations, including OSHA and MSHA standards. Continuously improve safety performance by assessing risk and implementing preventive measures.

Serve as the primary driver of the location’s safety initiatives, providing ongoing training, audits, and feedback mechanisms to ensure the safety of all associates, contractors, and visitors on site.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure complete compliance with local, state, and federal environmental laws, permits, and operational guidelines.

Monitor site operations to detect any environmental risks or non-compliance issues and respond swiftly with corrective actions.

Act as the liaison during environmental inspections or audits by government agencies, facilitating transparent and cooperative interactions with regulators.

Develop, maintain, and ensure execution of environmental protection plans and documentation.

Operational Oversight

Execute and manage approved mine plans effectively, adjusting as needed to align with changes in demand or site conditions.

Manage all facets of site operations including production, equipment performance, preventive maintenance, throughput, material handling, and workforce allocation.

Develop, track, and execute short- and long-term production plans, ensuring alignment with the commercial team’s requirements and customer demands.

Maintain production schedules and ensure resources—such as personnel, materials, and equipment—are effectively utilized to meet operational goals.

Ensure that work assignments are properly communicated and that team members are trained and equipped to carry out their tasks safely and efficiently.

Financial Accountability

Take a proactive approach in managing financial performance by monitoring budgets, analyzing variable costs, and identifying profit improvement opportunities.

Exercise diligent cost control practices and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing waste.

Evaluate and approve capital replacement projects and upgrades to support long-term operational goals and reduce operational costs.

Work closely with finance and upper management to produce accurate operational forecasts, identify variances, and implement timely corrective actions.

People Development & Team Leadership

Provide robust leadership, mentorship, and supervision to all site personnel. Promote a collaborative and empowering work environment.

Identify training needs and facilitate skill development programs for team members, ensuring their continued growth and alignment with company goals.

Foster a high-performing culture by setting clear expectations, recognizing achievements, and providing constructive feedback.

Develop succession planning strategies to build leadership pipelines and prepare employees for increased responsibilities.

Quality and Customer Focus

Guarantee the consistent delivery of high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations.

Collaborate with the quality control team to monitor production output and resolve product quality issues promptly.

Foster strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and maintain trust and satisfaction.

Reporting and Administrative Duties

Oversee the completion of daily operational reports including production volumes, safety records, equipment usage, and resource allocations.

Analyze key operational data to inform decision-making, including cost reports, equipment performance metrics, and personnel utilization.

Maintain accurate records of all compliance-related activities, safety incidents, employee performance, and training certifications.

Community and External Relations

Serve as the public face of the site by leading community tours and engaging with local stakeholders as needed.

Communicate effectively with external agencies, including environmental and safety regulators, industry partners, and customers.

Secondary Responsibilities (Marginal Duties)

May be required to work outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, depending on operational demands.

Must be available to travel or temporarily relocate for short-term assignments or emergency site support.

May occasionally assist with the retrieval of parts or coordination of maintenance logistics.

Participate in company or community events and other special initiatives as assigned.

Willingly accept additional duties and responsibilities as delegated by upper management.

Qualifications and Requirements

Educational Background

Required:

A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.

A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in mining, industrial operations, or construction.

Preferred:

A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Mining, or Civil preferred), Operations Management, or a related discipline.

At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role within a similar industrial or manufacturing environment.

Skills and Competencies

Technical and Operational Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Working knowledge of operational systems and software including E-Maint, AggFlow, PEAK, Viewpoint, and DF3.

Strong grasp of equipment maintenance principles, production scheduling, and performance metrics.

Familiarity with reading technical drawings and understanding site plans and mine development strategies.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities

Strong numerical and analytical thinking skills; ability to monitor and interpret financial, operational, and technical data.

Effective troubleshooting skills to address equipment, production, or quality issues quickly and accurately.

Capable of prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Leadership and Communication

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead diverse teams, deliver presentations, and interact with various stakeholders.

Excellent writing skills, capable of drafting reports, documenting procedures, and preparing regulatory submissions or internal communications.

Ability to train and mentor employees, guide professional development, and cultivate a team-oriented culture.

Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive or proprietary information.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Commitment to safety is non-negotiable; must follow all PPE (personal protective equipment) guidelines including wearing safety glasses, steel-toe boots, hearing protection, and respirators when necessary.

Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around heavy equipment.

Must be able to stand, walk, and lift as needed during site inspections, operational assessments, or emergency situations.Company Description

Great Benefits and Culture here!

Full-time