Operations Manager – Jacksonville, Florida

🔥 Lead Operations and Drive Branch Success

Step into a leadership role where your operational expertise and entrepreneurial mindset drive meaningful results. Take charge of a growing refractory branch in West Jacksonville, Florida, where leadership, strategy, and execution come together. As our Operations Manager, you’ll oversee refractory field operations, sales, and customer service, driving growth, profitability, and project excellence. You’ll build strong client partnerships, expand market presence, and ensure every job is delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Success in this role requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with a deep understanding of the refractory industry and market dynamics.

If you’re a results driven leader who thrives in the field and knows what it takes to keep thermal processes running strong, we want you on our team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

WHAT YOU’LL DO

In this role, you’ll be at the center of our branch’s success. You’ll:

• Exhibit a customer-focused, entrepreneurial mindset to drive revenue by developing, executing, and managing sales strategies that exceed customer expectations, deliver forecasted growth, and expand into new markets.
• Collaborate with the SE Region general manager to align branch objectives with company goals, as well as monitor financial performance and adhere to budgetary targets.
• Partner with the Environmental Health and Safety Manager to build a culture that prioritizes safety through training, documented procedures, and regular audits.
• Develop and execute strategic solutions aligned with short- and long-term business objectives to increase sales, profitability, and market share.
• Take ownership of all operational aspects of the branch — overseeing project execution, inventory and warehouse management, P/L performance, continuous improvement, and tools that maximize team efficiency.
• Manage branch financials including forecasting, expense control, purchasing, and invoicing to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Build and maintain strong union relationships to attract, develop, and retain top field talent, while addressing issues such as grievances and job placement when needed.
• Create new business opportunities by developing engaging customer relationships and proactively delivering accurate, timely proposals with clear scope, material selections, and project estimates.
• Work alongside construction managers and job superintendents to ensure customer satisfaction and project success, tracking productivity and analyzing costs throughout and after each project.
• Foster open communication and a culture of accountability to promote collaboration, engagement, and customer service excellence.
• Lead people initiatives — conduct annual reviews, hire and develop team members, manage performance, and partner with HR to mentor and train staff for long-term success.
• Represent the company and brand with professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership in every interaction.
• Maintain and strengthen business relationships with clients, fostering trust, communication, and long-term partnership.
• Be a steward of Plibrico’s Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• Adhere to environmental and safety regulations and acts in accordance with United States’ laws
• Adhere to corporate policy on business ethics

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years of construction/industrial project management experience and sales experience.
• Demonstrate the following core competencies- entrepreneurship, change leadership, negotiation and influence, business and financial acumen, operational decision making, customer orientation, driving for results, managing and measuring work, interpersonal skills and ability to positively relate and communicate with others.
• Ability to perform material take offs and understanding of construction productivity rates.
• Experience with Union environments.
• Proficient computer skills (MS Excel, MS Word, or similar products).
• Excellent sales, interpersonal and presentation skills.

PREFERRED

• MBA
• Refractory maintenance and installation experience

POSITION TYPE: Full-Time

TRAVEL: 5% – 10%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands required of the position include prolonged sitting and walking, extended periods of computer use and keyboarding, and a normal range of hearing and vision. Must be able to operate standard office equipment The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will be required to perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the company.

Why You’ll Love It Here

At Plibrico, your leadership will matter. You won’t just manage operations; you’ll inspire a team that plays a vital role in keeping critical thermal processes running safely and efficiently. You’ll have the freedom to make meaningful decisions, the backing of an experienced leadership group, and the opportunity to shape the success of a company with more than 100 years of refractory innovation and trusted partnerships.

Located in West Jacksonville, Florida, this is your chance to build a rewarding career while enjoying the balance of a close-knit community and the energy of a growing industrial market. Every project you lead will make a visible impact on your team, your customers, and the industries that power our world.

Compensation and benefits are competitive. The Plibrico Company is a drug- free workplace.

Plibrico Company, LLC provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants for employment, without regards to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital, veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities. In addition, this policy of equal opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but is not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.