James Cunningham
Leland,NC
Summary
Results-driven Plant Manager with expertise in operations management, safety compliance, and team development. Demonstrated ability to implement process improvements that enhance production efficiency and reduce costs.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Plant Manager
Thomas Concrete
Shallotte, NC
01.2022 - Current
- Oversaw daily plant operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Managed team performance, providing training and mentorship to enhance productivity.
- Implemented process improvements, reducing waste and increasing efficiency across production lines.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends, optimizing workflow and resource allocation.
- Coordinated maintenance schedules for equipment, minimizing downtime and enhancing reliability.
- Developed strategies for inventory management, streamlining supply chain processes.
- Led cross-functional teams in project initiatives, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Ensured adherence to environmental regulations, promoting sustainable practices within plant operations.
- Reduced costs by eliminating materials waste and unnecessary labor hours.
Batch Plant Operator
All About Hard Work
Leland, NC
07.2021 - 12.2021
- Operated batch plant machinery to ensure efficient production processes.
- Monitored and adjusted material flow to maintain consistent quality standards.
- Conducted routine maintenance on equipment to prevent operational downtime.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
- Optimized batch plant operations by implementing efficient scheduling and resource allocation.
Plant Manager
Southport Concrete
Southport, NC
10.2016 - 07.2021
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Monitored and evaluated plant performance to identify areas for improvement and take corrective measures.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction through diligent scheduling , ensuring all deliverables were met within agreed timeframes.
Plant Manager/Salesperson
Weeks Sand and Concrete
Sanford, NC
02.2016 - 10.2016
- Streamlined production processes, improving efficiency across multiple operations.
- Developed maintenance schedules, ensuring optimal equipment performance and reliability.
- Mentored staff on best practices, fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.
- Led, trained and coached plant staff to facilitate high levels of productivity and quality.
- Implemented quality control measures to reduce defect rates and enhance product quality consistently.
- Evaluated employee performance and provided feedback and training as needed.
- Oversaw routine maintenance programs and scheduled service to keep equipment functioning at peak levels.
- Developed and maintained customer relationships to drive sales growth.
- Worked to build relationships with customers and built potential for additional sales.
- Boosted sales by consistently engaging with customers and addressing their needs effectively.
- Expanded customer base through targeted prospecting and networking efforts.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees.
- Boosted employee morale and productivity through effective leadership and motivational techniques.
- Balanced labor needs with production schedules to optimize workforce utilization while maintaining output targets.
Plant Manager/Sales Associate
Port City Concrete
Wilmington, NC
04.2013 - 11.2015
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring efficient production and adherence to quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced waste in concrete manufacturing.
- Directed workforce management, optimizing scheduling and resource allocation for peak operational efficiency.
- Led safety initiatives that resulted in a significant reduction of workplace incidents and compliance violations.
- Mentored and developed staff members, promoting professional growth opportunities within the organization.
- Maintained quality of product with robust inspections and assessment
- Built strong relationships with regulatory agencies and ensured compliance with all environmental permits; maintained an exemplary safety record.
- Boosted team morale and efficiency through leadership and development initiatives.
- Enhanced plant productivity by streamlining operational processes.
- Scrutinized production output and identified areas for improvement.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed product inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
- Developed strong relationships with customers, driving repeat business through personalized service.
Plant Manager
Bledsoe Enterprises
Wilmington NC
09.2014 - 02.2015
- Increased production efficiency by optimizing plant layout and implementing process improvements.
- Created plant policies and procedures for safe and productive operations.
- Forecasted future production needs accurately, allowing for strategic decision-making regarding staffing levels, equipment investments, and inventory management.
- Managed direction and planning for plant with focus on optimization of daily functions.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers.
- Implemented sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.
- Streamlined inventory management to reduce waste and optimize stock levels.
- Provided direction and leadership to all levels of employees and managers.
Store Manager
Scotchman Gas Station
Wilmington, NC
2012 - 2014
- Supervised daily operations to ensure optimal customer service and efficient workflow.
- Managed inventory levels, conducting regular audits to minimize shrinkage and maintain stock accuracy.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for customer engagement and store procedures.
- Implemented promotional strategies to increase sales and enhance product visibility in-store.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, adjusting merchandising strategies accordingly for improved performance.
- Developed staff schedules to optimize coverage during peak hours while controlling labor costs.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, fostering a safe environment for customers and employees.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, enhancing overall satisfaction and loyalty towards the gas station services.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
- Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and organized backroom to facilitate effective ordering and stock rotation.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for growth.
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Reconciled daily sales transactions to balance and log day-to-day revenue.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong relationships between team members through team-building activities and consistent recognition of individual achievements.
- Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
- Oversaw loss prevention efforts, minimizing shrinkage by implementing effective security measures and training staff on proper procedures.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies by regularly reviewing store procedures and taking corrective measures when necessary.
- Maintained open lines of communication with corporate headquarters, sharing pertinent information about store performance and requesting support when needed.
Quality Control Inspector/Batch Operator
S&G Prestress
Wilmington, NC
2007 - 2011
- Conducted thorough inspections of prestressed concrete products for quality compliance.
- Documented inspection results and identified areas for improvement in production processes.
- Collaborated with production teams to resolve quality issues promptly and effectively.
- Utilized measuring tools and equipment to ensure precise product specifications were met.
- Assisted in developing quality control procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Trained new staff on quality standards and inspection techniques for optimal performance.
- Analyzed non-conformance reports to drive continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
- Led root cause analysis meetings to address recurring quality challenges effectively.
- Communicated with production team members about quality issues.
- Inspected quality of products, taking note of functionality, appearance and other specifications.
- Inspected incoming and outgoing materials for accuracy and quality.
- Reported repeated issues to supervisors and other departments, collaborating to identify issue roots and rectify problems.
- Performed visual inspections and non-destructive tests where appropriate.
- Improved product quality by conducting thorough inspections and identifying defects in a timely manner.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations through meticulous record-keeping and documentation of inspection results.
- Collaborated with production staff to establish and meet quality standards
- Evaluated components and final products against quality standards and manufacturing specifications.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss progress and results, providing ideas and suggestions for improvement.
- Identified and documented quality discrepancies for management to develop resolutions.
- Reduced product rejection rates by collaborating with production teams to address quality issues proactively.
Assistant Area Manager
S&W Ready Mix Concrete
Wilmington NC
2005 - 2007
- Assisted in managing daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and productivity.
- Coordinated communication between departments to facilitate project completion and enhance collaboration.
- Supported inventory management by tracking supplies and ensuring availability for production needs.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain compliance with industry standards and improve workplace safety.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, enhancing team performance and service quality.
- Increased customer satisfaction by effectively addressing concerns and resolving conflicts as an Assistant Area Manager.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures by regularly reviewing documentation and updating as needed.
- Conducted regular Plant audits to maintain consistent operational standards throughout the region.
- Fostered a positive work environment through open communication channels between employees at all levels of the organization.
- Collaborated with other Area Managers to share best practices and optimize overall company performance.
- Enhanced employee performance through regular training sessions and constructive feedback.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
Education
High School Diploma -
North Brunswick High School
Leland, NCNo Degree - Business
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, North Carolina, NCSkills
- Operations management
- Safety management
- Continuous improvement
- Performance improvements
- Production scheduling
- Facility management
- Scheduling
- Team building and development
- Logistics coordination
- Work delegation
- Schedule management
- Cost control
- Environmental sustainability
- Environmental compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- ISO standards
- Cost control improvements
- Decision-making
- Safety assessment
- Team development
- Troubleshooting skills
- Staff training
- Team management
- Operational efficiency
- Quality control management
- Inventory oversight
- Employee hiring
- Quality assurance
- Staff scheduling
Certification
ACI grade 1
NCDOT Field and Batch Technician
Timeline
Plant Manager
Thomas Concrete
01.2022 - Current
Batch Plant Operator
All About Hard Work
07.2021 - 12.2021
Plant Manager
Southport Concrete
10.2016 - 07.2021
Plant Manager/Salesperson
Weeks Sand and Concrete
02.2016 - 10.2016
Plant Manager
Bledsoe Enterprises
09.2014 - 02.2015
Plant Manager/Sales Associate
Port City Concrete
04.2013 - 11.2015
Store Manager
Scotchman Gas Station
2012 - 2014
Quality Control Inspector/Batch Operator
S&G Prestress
2007 - 2011
Assistant Area Manager
S&W Ready Mix Concrete
2005 - 2007
High School Diploma -
North Brunswick High School
No Degree - Business
Cape Fear Community College