Area Technical Services Manager - Knoxville, United States - Vulcan Materials

Description

OVERVIEW OF VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete.

We run our business with great discipline and integrity.

At Vulcan, our people share a competitive drive for excellence, in an environment of trust, teamwork, positive reinforcement, open-mindedness and communication.

Ours is a culture of mutual respect, integrity and committed spirit. Opportunity, community and unity is our way of doing business. We call it The Vulcan Way.

Summary Description of Position

Individual will direct the overall Quality Control/Quality Assurance programs for Vulcan Materials Company, in a geographic area by providing product knowledge and technical support to Operations and Sales.

Individual will review the quality assurance programs within the area to insure continuous product improvement and excellent customer service, consistent with Company policies and practices.

Individual supervises the operation of the plant QC technicians and laboratories, providing both field and technical management and will conduct routine and special laboratory testing.

Schedules laboratory technicians and directs testing procedures and quality control techniques.

Will serve as a technical resource for the department, field, plant operations personnel, and outside contractors as well as state and local governmental agencies.

Education, Experience, Skills Required


Education:

• BS, Engineering, Geology, or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.

Experience:

• Five (5) to ten (10) years of progressive experience in construction materials testing and quality assurance. Three (3) to five (5) years supervisory experience is preferred. Individual has extensive training and experience in the materials testing field and demonstrates a proficiency to perform advanced Quality Control duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of modern principles and practices of supervising production employees;
• Knowledge of construction management and the aggregate, ready mix and asphalt industry, including sales and marketing aspects;
• Must understand and be familiar with mix design characteristics and various product specifications;
• Person possesses working knowledge of aggregate, asphalt and ready mix concrete plant operations and extensive knowledge ASTM, DOT and AASHTO testing procedures; Person must be knowledgeable in product related specifications and finished products;
• Able to understand, interpret, and apply policies and procedures; knowledge and understanding of OSHA and MSHA rules and regulations;
• Possess strong verbal communications skills for dealing with plant production personnel, plant managers, contracts and agency representatives and have the ability to interface with plant production personnel and plant managers;
• Possess strong written communication skills to develop communication regarding technical matters, including writing test procedures;
• Ability to troubleshoot, educate and supervise staff;
• Possess good math and demonstrate the ability to perform simple to moderately complex arithmetic calculations;
• Must possess good computer skills, Microsoft Office suite, and other programs applicable to materials testing and data analyses;
• Must be attentive to detail;
• Able to motivate and reward employees;
• Able to develop and establish performance measurements for department;
• Possess knowledge and understanding of business planning and financial forecasting requirements, good organization and business planning skills;
• Possess excellent problem solving skills and practices;
• Able to analyze and solve business problems; and
• Able to establish practices and develop resources to meet or exceed goals and objectives.

Essential Functions

• Supports Division Director of Technical Services with technical expertise to help ensure highest level of product quality and customers satisfaction.
• Responsible for all quality control and quality assurance for a high volume, highly complex region. Products may include quality control for asphalt, aggregate, and readymix materials.
• Reviews, monitors, and maintains the test results of the data and adjusts blends when required.
• Troubleshoots problems;
• Conducts analysis of material specifications.
• Tests and reviews aggregate qualities following ASTM and appropriate DOT procedures in order to meet Vulcan's performance standards for quality products.
• Oversees special, high visibility, or large projects such as State QA/QC Projects, FAA Projects, and specialized applications. Oversee QC testing for major and daily construction projects.
• Supervises, schedules, and trains department personnel in proper testing procedures within the lab and in the field to optimize team efforts and efficient performance. Conducts timely performance meetings with all direct reports to advise and motivate employee development and performance.
• Develop an effective succession plan within the area to ensure a consistent career progression for Plant and Lab personnel, and develop a growth and training plan to establish bench strength.
• Develop and implement innovative approaches for construction materials to meet customer needs. Assist Vulcan and its customers to be more competitive via product design and quality.
• Become a liaison between the Division Operations, Sales team and our customers. Provide Sales and customers with product knowledge to improve quality and minimize issues.
• Work with Sales and Operations on major construction projects to coordinate activities.
• Work with government agencies as needed. Ensure that materials are within specifications. Ensure proper QC experts are present at key jobs.
• Investigate defective materials issues. Performance root cause(s) analysis and develop sound solutions.
• Represent Vulcan at industry meetings and events, government and community meetings and committees.
• Keeps abreast of professional and technical developments of new specifications to maintain and improve knowledge and skills needed for superior job performance and to improve operational efficiencies by attending relevant technical meetings.
• Other duties may be assigned as required.

Other Requirements

• A valid driver's license is required.
• Professional Development Certification such as Professional Engineer, Professional Geologist, etc. are preferred but not required.
• This position requires knowledge and awareness of construction site hazards and requires the use of appropriate protective gear when working near construction sites.
• In addition to the typical protective gear, gear to protect against exposure to noise, dust, chemical solvents, and fumes may be needed.
• This position includes the use hazardous materials that require special training and vigilance to safeguard against possible hazards.
• Local and regional travel by automobile and periodic need to travel by airline;
• Must have the ability to use computerized equipment and technology;
• Ability to work in a stressful, deadline oriented environment that requires complex, technical information and decision making; and
• Must be able to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Behavioral Expectations

High Integrity:

Acts with unyielding integrity and honesty in business transactions, promoting company policies and holding self and other employees accountable, keeping promises and commitments.

Ownership Mentality:
Assumes responsibility and makes decisions within own level of authority.

Passion to be the Best:
Sets strong personal example and influences others to improve by using high energy and positive attitudes.

Good Judgment:
Knows when to stand tough and when to be flexible. Sees the "big picture" and the ramifications of one's actions.

Creativity:
Develops innovative solutions to problems by trying non-obvious or non-traditional approaches.

Critical Competencies

Customer Focus:
Takes responsibility for customer relationships, keeping promises and commitments.

Results-Oriented:

Sets challenging goals (individual and organizational) and tracks performance, and ensures that all projects/tasks are completed on schedule and within budget.

Communication Skills:
Communicates clearly and listens carefully in an open, candid and consistent manner.

Team Player:
Establishes trust with team members, stating clearly expectations and accountabilities. Recognizes group morale and acts to protect or build as necessary.

Planning and Organizing:
Identifies and defines clear short-term goals and/or work outcomes that are require to implement strategic goals.

Problem Prevention/Solving:
Asks series of probing questions to go beyond and its root cause.


BENEFITS

• Vulcan Materials Company offers a competitive compensation program and benefits package including: medical/dental/vision, paid holidays and vacations, life insurance, 401(k) with match and flexible spending accounts.

Vulcan is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law from discrimination.