Retread Shop Manager

Pete's Tire Barns was started by Peter A. Gerry in 1968 and has grown to one of the largest independent tire dealerships in the country. Pete's currently operates 22 full-service locations in New England, a state-of-the art Distribution Center, 3 Bandag retread facilities, employs in excess of 300 people, and operates a fleet of over 100 service and delivery vehicles. Today, approximately 90% of our business is in the commercial truck tire and related markets. Pete's services everything from a wheelbarrow tire up to an earthmover tire.

Position Summary

The Retread Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of tire retreading operations, including production, safety, quality, maintenance, and team management. This position ensures the plant operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all company standards and industry regulations. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with strong technical knowledge of tire retreading processes and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement in productivity and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• Plan, coordinate, and direct daily plant activities to achieve production goals in alignment with Bandag process requirements and company objectives.
• Ensure consistent adherence to Bandag's retread manufacturing system, including inspection, buffing, repair, building, curing, and final inspection stages.
• Optimize plant workflow, material usage, and labor efficiency to minimize downtime and waste.

Quality Assurance

• Maintain 100% compliance with Bandag quality standards and documentation requirements.
• Oversee regular quality audits and ensure that all retreads meet or exceed customer and DOT specifications.
• Investigate process or product nonconformities and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner with Bandag field representatives during plant audits and certification reviews.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, train, and develop production staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coordinate skill development, and lead by example in promoting safety and quality.
• Schedule staffing and manage workloads to meet changing production demands.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all company, Bandag, and OSHA safety policies to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
• Conduct safety meetings, inspections, and training to ensure employee awareness and hazard prevention.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of materials in compliance with environmental regulations.

Maintenance & Equipment

• Manage preventive maintenance programs to ensure reliability and optimal performance of all Bandag retread machinery and curing equipment.
• Coordinate maintenance activities and troubleshoot mechanical issues to minimize downtime.

Reporting & Cost Control

• Manage plant budgets, cost controls, and inventory levels for tread rubber, cushion gum, envelopes, and other retread materials.
• Maintain accurate inventory control, including barcode inventory tracking, casing stock levels, and coordinating replenishment and stock distribution with the Director of Retread Production.
• Track, report, and ensure plant-level adherence to key performance indicators (KPIs) and cost metrics established by the Director of Retread Production, including production volume, yield, quality, and scrap rate.
• Participate in performance reviews and benchmarking meetings with the Director of Retread Production, providing plant-level data and action plans.
• Support corporate initiatives for efficiency improvement and waste reduction.

Statement of Other Duties

This document describes the major duties and responsibilities for this job and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that employees may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described.

What We Offer

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 401(k) - Pete's match .25% up to 6% employee contribution
• Vacation - 2 Weeks
• $15,000 Life Insurance - additional coverage may be purchased
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in tire retreading or manufacturing operations.
• Minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Knowledge of retread manufacturing processes, equipment, and materials.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with production management systems.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

• Exerts 75 to 100 pounds of force occasionally.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work in a production environment for extended periods. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform hands-on work when needed.
• Tolerance for heat, noise, and other conditions typical of an industrial setting.
• Occasionally reaches (extending hands and arms in any direction), handles (seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or working with hands), and identifies and distinguishes colors.
• Occasionally climbs (ascends or descends ladders, stairs, ramps, and the like) and balances.
• Occasionally stoops (bending the body downward and forward by bending at the waist, legs and spine) and kneels (bending the legs at knee to come to rest on knee or knees).