Knife River is seeking a strategic and experienced General Manager to lead the daily operations of our construction and materials division in the Billings, Montana region. This role is responsible for ensuring quality, safety, and profitability across civil projects and production facilities. Key responsibilities include managing civil construction projects and overseeing the production and sales of aggregate, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete, all while ensuring operational efficiency across all business units. The ideal candidate brings deep industry experience, a strong operational mindset, and proven leadership ability.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
-Overseeing daily operations for civil construction, aggregate production and installation, asphalt production and sales, and ready-mix concrete operations.
-Developing strategic and operational plans including financial forecasting, market and competitor analysis, and labor planning.
-Identifying capital improvement and maintenance needs to support business objectives.
-Monitoring bidding activity and materials pricing to ensure competitiveness within the market.
-Ensuring project execution stays on schedule and within budget.
-Partnering with safety and environmental leaders to develop, enforce, and support safety protocols and compliance with MSHA, OSHA, EPA, and DNR regulations.
-Building and maintaining relationships with key customers and identifying new business opportunities.
-Collaborating with estimating staff on project selection, pricing strategies, engineering input, and post-bid performance assessments.
-Overseeing equipment, plant, and facility maintenance and replacement programs.
-Developing and maintaining an organizational structure that supports business goals.
-Providing leadership and vision that fosters employee growth, retention, and a strong team culture.
-Traveling as needed, including on short notice and for extended periods.
Minimum Qualifications:
-Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, OR 15 years of relevant industry experience in lieu of a degree. An advanced degree is preferred.
-5+ years of progressively responsible management experience
-Minimum of 10 years of experience in the construction industry, 15 or more years preferred.
-Demonstrated experience managing complex projects
-Proficiency with computer systems and software relevant to the construction and materials industry
-Strong leadership abilities with a proven track record of managing and mentoring teams
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations
-Experience in employee development, performance assessment, and training initiatives
-Strong skills in estimating, planning, and operational analysis
-In-depth knowledge of: Civil construction practices, asphalt paving, underground utilities, grading and excavation, aggregates and material quality control, ready-mix concrete production, and Industry safety standards, metrics, and protocols
How To Apply:
If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:
Knife River Billings
4014 Hesper Rd
Billings, MT 59106
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
Women, minorities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it is our people who make us successful. We are one of the Nation’s largest construction materials and contracting businesses. With over 1 billion tons of rock and over 5,700 employees across the western U.S., we are a People-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. Please consider joining our growing team today!
Knife River puts People First by intentionally developing team members in a safe, supportive environment. At our one‑of‑a‑kind training facility, and in the field, we build the capability needed to grow, perform, and sustain excellence—without compromising safety. This team member will focus on instruction for safe and effective heavy equipment operation, grade control systems, and comprehensive operator development for both production and construction.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum 4 years of operator experience in heavy construction, quarry/aggregates, and/or mining industriesUnderstanding of grading, excavation, mining and aggregate productionKnowledge of GPS machine control systems (Preferably Trimble)Knowledge of the process steps in a construction and construction materials environmentUnderstanding of optimal equipment purpose and usage in construction and construction materials industryAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customersGood organizational, project management, and time management skillsSelf-motivated to take on new tasksStrong drive to achieve and continue learningAbility to travel approximately up to 50%Occasional evening and weekend work will be requiredExperienced in Microsoft Office Suite – specifically Word, Excel, PowerPointDuties and/or Responsibilities:
Develop and deliver training content to enhance operator skills in the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment family.Conduct classroom and hands-on field training for equipment such as dozers, excavators, graders, loaders, skid steers, haul trucks, and support equipment.Monitor, evaluate, and record training activities, materials and program effectiveness through on-going metrics and reporting activitiesWork with the Training Coordinator to maintain a schedule of training resources (personnel, materials, equipment, and time)Directly deliver instructor lead on-site (KRTC) and off-site coursesWork with stakeholder groups as appropriate to identify training needs and goalsEnsure on-going maintenance of equipment necessary for content deliveryAssist with maintenance and operations of the Training Center which will include mandatory weekends and evenings, on occasionWhat the Life at Knife Offers:
Highly competitive salary and annual incentive plan.How To Apply:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:
Knife River Corporation
Box 5568
Bismarck, ND 58506
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!
At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
ROLE OVERVIEW:
Apply early for our seasonal roles—interviews are beginning soon!
Our season kicks off in April and runs through November, with the possibility of extending into December. As a seasonal team member, you’ll enjoy winters off to travel, hunt, fish, or pursue the activities you love—while still keeping your benefits all year long.
Responsible to safely collect samples of crushed stone, aggregate, sand, or gravel and test for conformance to specifications. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES (summary of components that make up the job)
Tests and inspects products at various states of production process and compiles and evaluates statistical data to determine and maintain quality and reliability of products.Selects products for tests at specifies stages in production process and tests products for variety of qualities such as dimensions, performance and mechanical, electrical or chemical characteristics.Perform necessary tests (i.e. gradations, etc.) testing products for variety of qualities such as dimensions and performance. May weigh, dry and reweigh samples to determine moisture content of samples.Records test data, applying statistical quality control procedures. May plot origin of samples on site map.Records test data, applying statistical quality control procedures. Evaluates data and writes reports to validate or indicate deviations from existing standards. May prepare graphs or charts of data or enter data into computer for analysis.Recommends modifications of existing quality or production standards to achieve optimum quality within limits of equipment capability.May set up and perform destructive and nondestructive tests on materials, parts or products to measure performance, life or material characteristics.Examines samples for presence of foreign matter and variation from color standard.Notifies management when materials do not meet specifications.Maintain lab and equipment; perform daily housekeeping.Conduct finished and in-process inspections.Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with difficult people under high stress situations. Self-motivated, team-player with good interpersonal skills; ability to maintain positive customer relations and act courteous and respectful of others. Communicate test results to appropriate stakeholders.Ensure work activities comply with OSHA, EPA, safety and environmental regulations.Travel is required. Gather samples from specified locations and transports samples to laboratory when applicable.Running tests onsite at pits or quarries, or other remote labs.Always work safely and take action to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.Must maintain the highest level of moral and ethical standards at all times.Perform other duties as assigned.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)
High school graduate or GED equivalent.Maintain proper certifications, licensure and acceptable driving record (where applicable)Able to operate testing machines and equipment such as a nuclear densometerHigh ethical and moral standards.PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (preferred requirements i.e. certifications, software use, etc.)
3 + years experience in all aspects of testing in the general construction industryMNDOT Aggregate Production CertificationBENEFITS:
Medical, Dental, & Vision InsuranceHealth Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts401(k) with Company MatchProfit SharingPaid Time Off8 Paid HolidaysCompany Paid Life and AD&D InsuranceShort-term DisabilityEmployee Assistance ProgramYears of Service RecognitionVoluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and DependentsCritical Illness PlanAccident Coverage PlanHospital IndemnityADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
All applications are submitted online. If you are having issues completing the application, please come to the office for assistance.
ExperienceRequiredEmployer Name, City, State:Job Title:Reason for leaving:Summarize the nature of work performed and responsibilities:Employer Name, City, State:Job Title:Reason for leaving:Summarize the nature of work performed and responsibilities:Employer Name, City, State:Job Title:Reason for leaving:Summarize the nature of work performed and responsibilities:
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in majors related to construction, engineering, related fields, or equivalent experience.Five or more years of proven experience in the construction materials industry.Experience with technical software such as AutoCAD 2018 or higher preferred, GIS, and other math-based systems. 3-D modeling is a plus.Must be able to read and interpret sketches and construction plans.Proficient with MS Office suite of products and industry-related computer software.Excellent verbal and written skills.Innate continuous improvement mindset, process methodology skills, and impressive change management capability.Must have valid Driver License in good standingPreferred Requirements
Seven to ten years of working in the construction materials industry with progressive and proven experience.Advanced working knowledge of mining and processing construction materials such as cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete.Engineering certifications or credentials.Knowledge of electrical systems and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).Duties and Responsibilities
Set a positive safety example. Drive and support corporate and local safety initiatives.Understand the working infrastructure and utilities associated with our properties and fixed facilities.Create and maintain reserve inventory and report reserves annually to Knife River for SEC 10(k) reporting.Demonstrate knowledge of surveying procedures, drilling techniques, mapping, drafting, aggregate exploration, and reserve analysis.Work with engineering software to develop and prepare preliminary and detailed design drawings and reports.Provide and perform engineering assistance, technical support, and troubleshooting for field issues in the Company’s Divisions.Assist the Senior Engineering Manager with the company’s capital investment projects.Assist in site development design for grading, drainage, stormwater control, erosion control, and road design.Work on various engineering projects supporting sales, operations, and continuous improvements in manufacturing and processing plants.Interact with stakeholders to resolve engineering-related issues in our concrete, aggregate, and cement operations.Lead process improvement initiatives and best practices to establish performance metrics (KPIs) driving efficiency, quality, and cost control.Work on challenging assignments, including investigating, troubleshooting, and solving various engineering and construction-related issues.Design and/or assist in developing permit/lease applications to secure approval of resources for mining and other facilities.Demonstrating attention to detail and organizing and prioritizing are essential.Perform other duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of construction materials processes and systems.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and presentation abilities.Strategic thinking with the ability to drive change and continuous improvement.Strong organizational skills.High level of integrity and dependability.Demonstrate high quality, safety, and environmental acumen.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
