Asphalt Plant - Operations Manager

Kokosing Materials, Inc. (KMI) has been a leader in the asphalt production industry since 1980. With 19 asphalt plants across central and Northern Ohio, as well as liquid asphalt terminals in Wheelersburg and Mansfield, KMI is dedicated to producing high-quality asphalt products and providing exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, integrity, and sustainability, continuously investing in our plants to ensure they operate efficiently and meet the highest environmental standards. Through our partnership with Kokosing, we leverage shared expertise and resources to deliver innovative solutions and contribute to building Ohio's infrastructure. Join KMI and be part of a company that values safety, integrity and quality.

Job Description:

Position Summary

Kokosing Materials Inc. is seeking an experienced and results-driven Asphalt Plant - Operations Manager to lead all aspects of asphalt operational performance in their region, including safety, production, maintenance, team leadership, quality control, and capital improvement initiatives. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring the plants operate safely, efficiently, and profitably while supporting the company's growth objectives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, driving continuous improvement, managing capital projects, and delivering exceptional production results.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership

• Champion a world-class safety culture with zero-incident expectations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, MSHA (as applicable), and company safety standards.
• Support area managers to conduct routine safety audits, inspections, and training programs.
• Lead incident investigations and implement support corrective actions.
• Drive employee engagement and accountability in all safety initiatives.

Production & Operational Performance

• Oversee the region’s asphalt plant operations to achieve production, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Develop and support teams to execute production schedules to meet customer and operational demands.
• Monitor key performance indicators including throughput, plant utilization, downtime, and production costs.
• Optimize plant efficiency, fuel consumption, and material usage.
• Ensure asphalt mixes consistently meet specifications and quality standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop area managers, plant operators, maintenance personnel, and parts department.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that the area managers consistently Recruit, train, and retain top talent.
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning activities.
• Promote employee engagement and professional development.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Direct preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize plant reliability.
• Coordinate major repairs, shutdowns, and equipment upgrades.
• Manage maintenance budgets and critical spare parts inventory.
• Work closely with vendors and contractors to ensure equipment performance and longevity.
• Minimize unplanned downtime through proactive asset management.

Capital Expenditure Management

• Develop and manage annual capital expenditure plans and budgets.
• Identify opportunities for plant modernization, automation, and infrastructure improvements.
• Prepare ROI analyses and business cases for capital investments.
• Lead the execution of capital projects from planning through completion.
• Ensure capital projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with operational goals.

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage operating budgets and control production costs.
• Analyze performance metrics to identify opportunities for productivity and cost improvements.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes.
• Drive initiatives that improve operational efficiency and profitability.
• Partner with sales, and QC to meet company objectives.

Qualifications

• 20 years of experience in asphalt plant operations, aggregates, industrial manufacturing, or related industries.
• 15+ years of leadership experience managing production teams and plant operations.
• Demonstrated success leading safety, production and maintenance.
• Experience managing capital projects and annual CapEx budgets.
• Strong understanding of asphalt plant operations, equipment, and production processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data and implement process improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and plant operating systems.
• Knowledge of aggregates, liquid asphalt, RAP/RAS, mix designs, and material handling.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and varying schedules during peak construction periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Operations Management, or related field.
• Experience with Astec, Gencor, Dillman, or similar asphalt plant systems.
• OSHA 30 certification or equivalent safety training.

Kokosing Materials offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company paid life, and disability insurance. We also provide competitive incentives to eligible team members, like paid time off and 401K plus match to reward our team members for staying committed to our customers and keeping safety a priority.

Kokosing Materials is an equal employment opportunity employer. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.