Mechanical Engineering Manager

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Hercules Materials Holdings — Ready-Mix Operations Manager / Mechanical Engineer

FLSA: Exempt

Location: Greater Detroit Metro

Travel: Regular travel across the greater Detroit Metropolitan area, Toledo, Ohio, and Windsor, Ontario as business needs require

Hercules Materials Holdings is seeking a high-capacity operations leader with strong mechanical aptitude to help strengthen and support an already capable ready-mix team. This role is built to complement the current operating structure by partnering closely with Area Managers, plant teams, dispatch, maintenance personnel, and executive leadership to improve reliability, production efficiency, equipment performance, and employee development.

Established in 2020, Hercules Materials Holdings has grown to ten operating ready-mix plants and a fleet of 200 front-discharge trucks. Hercules Materials is family owned and operated, backed by a strong capital position, and equipped to take on major projects in a fast-changing market. The company values practical leadership, fresh ideas, accountability, and a strong “can do” mindset.

This opportunity is intentionally broad enough to attract both proven ready-mix operations leaders and mechanically minded engineers who want to work close to equipment, systems, automation, and emerging technology. Candidates with a background in mechanical engineering, industrial systems, plant reliability, mobile equipment, process improvement, controls, telematics, or applied AI are encouraged to apply if they are eager to translate technical skill into field-driven operational leadership.

Why Join Hercules Materials

• Industry-leading compensation with annual bonus opportunities tied to performance.
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), HSA/FSA, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• Company Truck Lease Plan.
• Growth opportunity within a fast-scaling, family-owned business with a strong long-term outlook.
• Professional development support, including industry certifications and exposure across multiple parts of the business.
• A platform to make an impact on plant performance, fleet reliability, workforce development, and operational modernization.

Position Summary

The Manager of Ready-Mix Operations / Mechanical Engineer will serve as a collaborative leader across the company’s ready-mix footprint. This person will work with existing leaders and employees to improve plant and fleet performance, strengthen preventive maintenance discipline, support process consistency, and identify practical ways to use data, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve decision-making and execution.

This is not a replacement-style leadership role. It is a complementary position intended to support the current team structure, increase technical depth, improve operational follow-through, and help employees succeed.

Core Responsibilities

• Partner with Area Managers responsible for multiple ready-mix plants across the greater Detroit region, Toledo.
• Support the performance and development of Assistant Plant Managers, Plant Operators, Drivers, Loader Operators, and other ready-mix team members.
• Work with plant and operations leadership to improve key performance indicators such as yards per load, yards per hour, load quality, batch accuracy, on-time delivery, and reduction of lost loads.
• Help ensure plants, mobile equipment, and support systems are maintained proactively to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
• Collaborate with maintenance and operational teams to improve preventive maintenance programs, repair planning, root-cause problem solving, and asset utilization.
• Support safe, efficient, and high-quality production across all facilities.
• Assist the COO and President in developing and implementing operational priorities, policies, standards, and process improvements.
• Review operational reporting and performance metrics to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Help introduce practical technology solutions, including automation, telematics, reporting tools, and AI-assisted analysis, where they improve efficiency, visibility, or maintenance planning.
• Lead change in a way that builds trust, develops people, and strengthens the current team.
• Coach and mentor employees with the goal of building future operational leaders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, and company standards.
• Support special projects assigned by executive leadership.

Ideal Background

Hercules Materials is open to candidates from either of the following paths:

• Operations leadership path: Proven success leading multi-plant ready-mix or heavy materials operations.
• Mechanical/technical leadership path: Mechanical engineers or technically strong operations professionals with a strong desire to work hands-on with machinery, plant systems, trucks, maintenance strategy, industrial data, and AI-enabled improvement tools.

Candidates will stand out if they bring a mix of field judgment, technical curiosity, and the ability to work respectfully with experienced operators and managers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience overseeing or supporting a multi-plant ready-mix concrete operation, or a similarly complex heavy industrial or construction materials business.
• Strong record of success in high-production operations, quality-focused manufacturing, DOT-related work, or process-driven industrial environments.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in ready-mix concrete, construction materials, manufacturing, industrial operations, mechanical systems, or related fields.
• Experience with P&L responsibility, cost control, budgeting, or operational financial accountability is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Construction Management, Business Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong technical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, partnership, and accountability.
• Genuine interest in machinery, equipment performance, automation, data systems, and practical AI applications in operations.
• Ability to translate technical analysis into actionable improvements for frontline teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of Windows-based applications and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with operating systems, batch, dispatch, telematics, maintenance software, or similar operational tools is preferred.
• Understanding of ready-mix, aggregates, logistics, fleet, and plant operations is highly valued.
• Strong capability in safety leadership, employee development, performance management, and change implementation.
• Ability to analyze data, identify patterns, and recommend practical improvements in production, maintenance, and delivery performance.
• Comfort working around industrial equipment, heavy trucks, and plant operating environments.

Working Conditions

• Extended hours will be required as needed, including 55+ hours during peak season.
• Work is performed in both office and industrial plant settings.
• Frequent presence in operating facilities and around equipment is expected.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with employees, customers, and other stakeholders, and to function safely in both office environments and active industrial plant locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hercules Materials does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!