Plant Manager

Since 1945, Gagne & Son Concrete Products has been helping homeowners and contractors build projects that last. As a manufacturer, supplier, dealer, and retailer, we provide premium concrete, stone, masonry, and outdoor living products for residential and commercial applications. Whether it's a foundation, retaining wall, patio, outdoor kitchen, or complete backyard transformation, our knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing the products, expertise, and service customers can count on. With seven retail locations across Maine, we're proud to help build stronger communities—one project at a time.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Plant Manager to lead the daily operations of our concrete manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have experience in either precast concrete or concrete masonry products (CMU, pavers, and segmented retaining wall) manufacturing. This is a working manager position requiring a strong presence on the production floor.

The Plant Manager leads by example, works alongside employees when needed, provides hands-on training and coaching, and actively participates in solving production, maintenance, quality, and operational challenges. The successful candidate is equally comfortable developing strategy as they are rolling up their sleeves to help the team meet production goals safely and efficiently.

Essential Job Functions:

·        Lead all aspects of daily plant operations while maintaining a visible, hands-on presence

throughout the facility.

·        Work alongside production personnel when necessary to resolve issues, support

production, train employees, and ensure customer commitments are met.

·        Lead by example by promoting teamwork, accountability, quality workmanship, and a

strong work ethic.

·        Coordinate production activities based on production schedule.

·        Monitor production performance and make real-time adjustments to improve efficiency,

productivity, and product quality.

·        Train, coach, mentor, and develop production employees while building a culture of

continuous learning and accountability.

·        Identify employee training needs and implement practical, hands-on training programs to improve skills, safety, and productivity.

·        Participate in hiring, onboarding, employee development, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions as needed.

·        Troubleshoot production, quality, and equipment issues and work directly with maintenance personnel to minimize downtime.

·        Oversee preventative maintenance programs and coordinate repairs for plant equipment, molds, and facilities.

·        Ensure compliance with company quality standards through testing, inspections, documentation, and adherence to NPCA, ASTM, or other applicable standards.

·        Manage inventory of raw materials, finished products, molds, and production supplies.

·        Track and analyze production, quality, maintenance, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.

·        Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

·        Foster a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility by participating in Safety Committee activities, enforcing OSHA and company safety standards, and supporting the Safety Director.

·        Collaborate with leadership to establish operational goals, budgets, and long-term improvement initiatives.

·        Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the operation.

Desired Skills:

·        Five (5) years of leadership experience in a precast concrete, block, CMU, paver, or similar heavy manufacturing environment.

·        Proven hands-on leadership with a willingness to work alongside employees, lead by example, and support daily production when needed.

·        Experience training, coaching, and developing production teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

·        Strong knowledge of concrete manufacturing processes, quality control, production scheduling, and plant operations.

·        Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and production issues.

·        Experience managing preventative maintenance, inventory, and production resources.

·        Working knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and industry quality standards (NPCA, ASTM preferred).

·        Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·        Experience with block production equipment (Columbia, Besser, Hess, Tiger, or similar) or precast manufacturing systems is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

·        Must be able to lift at least 70-100 pounds, with no physical restrictions.

·        Ability to stand for the entire shift.

·        Pass a pre-employment Physical Aptitude Test.

·        Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

What We Offer:

·        Competitive pay and benefits package.

·        Opportunities for skill development and advancement within the company.

·        A team-oriented and safety-first work environment.

Compensation and Benefits

·        Competitive wage, dependent on experience.

·        Excellent benefit package, including employee health insurance, dependent health insurance coverage (company pays 50 % of the premium), dental, STD, Life and AD&D insurance available, paid parental leave, paid holidays and PTO, 401(k) retirement program with 4% company match, and: wellness, boot, and tuition reimbursement