Quality & Operational Excellence Manager ManufacturingPrecast Concrete

About Lakelands:

Lakelands Concrete Products has been a trusted name in precast concrete manufacturing for over 70 years and were still growing. As demand for our products continues to increase were looking for a strong leader to help us elevate quality consistency and operational performance across the business.

Were not your average concrete company. Were a team of builders problem-solvers and hard-working people who take pride in doing things the right way. If youre the kind of leader who can build systems raise standards and drive meaningful change in a manufacturing environment this could be the opportunity for you.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Quality & Operational Excellence Manager to lead and modernize our Quality Control (QC) function while driving continuous improvement across plant operations.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who can move a business from reactive quality management to proactive operational excellence. Youll oversee the QC team own our Quality Control Plan lead compliance efforts and partner closely with operations production engineering and leadership to improve quality efficiency and consistency across the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead coach and hold accountable the Quality Control team
• Build a culture of ownership urgency accountability and continuous improvement
• Own and maintain the companys Quality Control Plan
• Lead audits and ensure compliance with NPCA NYSDOT and other regulatory requirements
• Reduce defects waste and rework through better systems and process discipline
• Build tracking reporting and feedback systems to improve visibility and decision-making
• Align design intent with production execution
• Oversee form designs for new and custom products
• Own and optimize concrete mix designs for quality cost and performance
• Improve materials production methods and manufacturing processes
• Lead testing evaluation and implementation of new products and improvements
• Manage QC-related resources and help drive smart operational decisions

What Success Looks Like:

• Improved audit performance to A-level standards
• Significant reduction in defects and rework
• More structured proactive QC systems
• Increased visibility into quality metrics and plant performance
• Stronger accountability and performance across the QC team

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid holidays and time off
• Health dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Performance bonus opportunities

What Were Looking For:

• Firm fair and accountability-driven
• A systems thinker who can build scalable processes
• Comfortable challenging the status quo and leading change
• Strong enough to earn credibility with a seasoned team
• Able to balance quality efficiency and profitability
• Hands-on when needed but capable of operating strategically
• A strong communicator who can align multiple departments

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering Construction Management Industrial Engineering Engineering Technology Materials Science or related field; OR Associate degree with relevant experience; OR Technical/trade school training in concrete construction or Quality Assurance/Quality Control
• 5 years of leadership or management experience
• 5 years of experience leading or participating in quality improvement efforts

Preferred:

• 3 years of experience in concrete precast or industrial quality control
• Strong knowledge of NPCA PCI and DOT compliance requirements
• Experience in manufacturing construction materials or heavy industrial operations
• Demonstrated success improving systems processes and team accountability

Preferred Certifications:

• PCI QC Technician Certification (Levels I II III)
• NPCA PQS / Master Precaster
• ACPA Quality School Certification
• ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I / Strength Testing Technician
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor
• OSHA 30