General Operations Manager at Locke Solutions LLC in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Locke Solutions is a premier provider of custom precast concrete solutions and was recently recognized as Houstons #1 Fastest Growing Company by the Houston Business Journal. Were in an exciting period of growth and transformation, expanding from one to three locations in just two years, and were on track to reach $100 million in revenue by 2027.
Our core valuesresponsiveness, teamwork, an ownership mentality, a get it done attitude, and problem-solvingform the foundation of our inclusive and collaborative culture. Locke Solutions is a rewarding workplace for those who thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.

At Locke Solutions, were more than just a teamwere a close-knit community committed to each others growth and success. Guided by the principles of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework, we prioritize trust, healthy conflict, and impactful peer-to-peer accountability, fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives and drives excellence.

ROLE SUMMARY:
The General Operations Manager (GOM) at Locke Solutions is a dynamic, high-impact leadership position critical to driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction at our Houston headquarters. Reporting to the Director of Operations, this newly created role will oversee all operational functions from sales order handoff to final product delivery, with a focus on strategic growth, continuous improvement, and delivering measurable financial performance.
The GOM will lead multi-disciplinary teams across Projects, Engineering, Plant Operations, Quality Control, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE). The role involves optimizing plant operations through continuous improvement practices, performance metrics, and robust policies that drive results and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
This position is an exciting opportunity for a results-oriented leader with strong business acumen, precast manufacturing expertise, and the ability to inspire teams to achieve ambitious growth goals. With responsibility for a $40M operation projected to grow to $60M in three years, the GOM will implement strategies that reinforce Locke Solutions reputation for responsiveness, exceptional quality, and unparalleled customer service in the custom precast concrete industry.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operational Leadership
Oversee all operational functions directly tied to production, including project management, engineering & design, plant operations, quality control, and logistics, ensuring alignment with Lockes operational and financial objectives. Maintain a relentless focus on efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, driving $1M in annual operating savings through process improvements and Lean Manufacturing principles.Develop and implement performance scorecards, ensuring clear visibility of KPIs across the plant floor to drive accountability and continuous improvement.Collaborate with the Strategic Supply Chain Manager (SCM) to implement Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory systems, geolocation technology, and customer portals for real-time project tracking.Collaborate with remote plants to share best practices, optimize resources, and ensure efficient production across the organization.Explore and implement innovative technologies, including AI-driven solutions, to enhance production efficiency, elevate quality standards, and strengthen customer satisfaction.
Customer-Centric Focus
Foster a culture of responsiveness and customer-first thinking, ensuring customers consistently receive high-quality products on time, reinforcing Lockes reputation as a trusted industry partner.Proactively address challenges in custom scheduling to uphold Lockes competitive edge in lead times.Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, ensuring Locke remains their trusted partner for high-quality, custom precast solutions.
Quality, Safety, and Housekeeping
Instill a high standard of quality across all teams, ensuring that forms, products, and processes meet or exceed industry standards.Champion a safety-first culture that goes beyond compliance, embedding safety practices into daily behaviors and fostering a mindset of mutual accountabilityencouraging teams to watch out for one another, act as a second set of eyes, and reinforce shared responsibility.Actively promote HSE initiatives led by the Houston HSE Manager, driving efforts to deepen safety awareness and embed safe practices into all aspects of operations.Maintain clean, professional grounds and facilities that reflect Lockes commitment to excellence and quality, ensuring a positive impression for the customers, candidates, and students who frequently visit our headquarters.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead by actively engaging with teams on the plant floor, walking around to observe operations, coach team members, and address challenges in real time while upholding high standards.Inspire a sense of ownership and accountability among a diverse workforce of 85 full-time employees and 15 contractors, with a focus on inclusion and wellness initiatives.Oversee daily toolbox talks and drive initiatives that reinforce Lockes core values: responsiveness, teamwork, ownership mentality, problem-solving, and a 'get it done' attitude.Cultivate a culture of humility and respect, where team members feel valued, informed, empowered to succeed, and connected by trust and loyalty.
Strategic Planning and Growth
Develop and execute annual budgets, prioritizing ROI-driven capex decisions to maximize operational and financial performance.Play a key role in planning for Lockes future growth, including Houston yard expansion and potential M&A integration.Collaborate with the Business Excellence team to drive long-term operational and customer satisfaction improvements, including leveraging AI tools, implementing technology solutions such as the customer portal, streamlining quality controls, and utilizing Lean principles to optimize processes.Stay attuned to industry trends, proactively driving innovation and operational evolution to stay ahead of market demands and technological advancements.Celebrate achievements and milestones that reflect innovation and advance Lockes operational and strategic goals

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (Masters preferred).10+ years of leadership experience in precast or prestressed concrete manufacturing, with significant exposure to custom/engineered solutions.Proven success managing P&L responsibilities, achieving operational efficiencies, and driving cost savings.
Skills & Attributes
Business Acumen: Strong financial and operational insight to make data-driven decisions that balance cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.Customer Focus: Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality products on time while maintaining excellent customer relationships.Leadership: Inspirational leader with a hands-on approach, capable of fostering accountability and motivating teams to excel.Organizational Skills: Exceptionally detail-oriented, with a natural inclination for maintaining order and driving quality in all aspects of operations.Language Skills: Spanish fluency is required or highly preferred to effectively engage with a primarily Spanish-speaking workforce.Technical Expertise: Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, operational scorecards, JIT inventory, and advanced project tracking tools.Experience leveraging AI and data-driven technologies to optimize operations, improve forecasting, and enhance decision-making processes.

WHAT WE OFFER:
The opportunity to lead a flagship operation of one of the largest custom precast manufacturers in the U.S., with a path to regional operations leadership as Locke continues its ambitious growth trajectory.A collaborative, values-driven culture that celebrates innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork.Competitive compensation and benefits package, including growth opportunities to regional operations leadership.
Join Locke Solutions and help us build the future of custom precast concrete manufacturing, where quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction drive everything we do.