Knife River Corporation

Pre-Production Manager

Knife River Corporation  •  Harrisburg, PA (Onsite)  •  2 days ago
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Job Description

The Pre-Production Manager oversees key support functions—including the Rebar Shop, Carpenter Shop, and Kitting/Warehouse operations—and is responsible for aligning these teams with the production schedule to eliminate delays and drive productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Material Readiness & Production Support
  • Ensure all materials, components, and assemblies are prepared, staged, and kitted ahead of production & shiploose requirements
  • Review production schedules and coordinate daily/weekly plans to support uninterrupted workflow
  • Drive accountability for “ready-to-build” conditions prior to production start
  • Identify and resolve material or process gaps that could impact production efficiency

Supervision of Support Shops:

Lead and manage:

  • Rebar Fabrication Shop
  • Carpenter Shop (forms and embeds)
  • Kitting/Warehouse operations
  • Establish clear priorities and workflows across support teams
  • Monitor productivity, quality, and schedule adherence

Operations & Process Management:

  • Develop and maintain efficient material flow and kitting processes
  • Standardize work practices to improve reliability and reduce rework
  • Reports to Production Manager to optimize plant throughput and labor efficiency
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives across support functions

Safety & Culture:

  • Promote and enforce a safe, injury-free work environment
  • Lead by example in safety, accountability, and professionalism
  • Maintain organized, clean, and efficient work areas (5S mindset)

Leadership & Team Development:

  • Supervise, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly team members
  • Build bench strength within support functions
  • Foster a positive work environment focused on teamwork and accountability

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Proven leadership experience in manufacturing, construction, or industrial operations
  • Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Ability to read drawings and understand bills of material
  • Working knowledge of material flow, fabrication processes, or production support operations
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality
  • Ability to motivate and develop teams through positive leadership
  • Ability to pass pre-employment background screen, physical/functional exam, and drug test

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in precast/prestress concrete or similar heavy manufacturing environment
  • Experience managing fabrication shops (rebar, carpentry, or steel)
  • Familiarity with production scheduling and kitting systems
Knife River Corporation

About Knife River Corporation

Knife River is one of the top 10 aggregate, ready-mix and sand and gravel producers in the nation. At peak construction season we employ more than 5,000 men and women who have been widely recognized for their superior customer service. We are sitting on a foundation of more than 1.1 billion tons of aggregate and provide a wide variety of products and services necessary for building America’s infrastructure.

Since purchasing the first aggregate company in 1992, Knife River has become one of the fastest-growing aggregate and construction companies in the central, southern and western United States. We have acquired nearly 70 companies located in 14 states and are licensed to perform work in many more.

Our core business lines include aggregate, asphalt, ready-mix concrete, liquid asphalt and cement.

Industry
Construction & Skilled Trades
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Bismarck, North Dakota
Year Founded
Unknown
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