Assistant Plant Manager

About the Role

DSJ Global is partnering with a leading manufacturer in the paper and building products industry to find an Assistant Plant Manager. This role supports and co-leads daily operations and maintenance activities at a high-volume manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, you will drive operational performance, improve reliability, develop talent, and foster a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement. The position offers significant visibility and an opportunity to influence plant performance while preparing for future leadership advancement.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Plant Manager to oversee daily manufacturing and maintenance operations, ensuring achievement of production, quality, safety, and financial objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop front-line supervisors, maintenance personnel, and operational teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Champion Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives and ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards.
• Collaborate across operations, maintenance, supply chain, HR, finance, and other support functions to optimize plant performance.
• Drive process improvement efforts to enhance productivity, reliability, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs utilizing CMMS systems.
• Lead and facilitate root cause analyses for equipment, process, and operational issues.
• Assist with production planning, inventory management, and operational scheduling.
• Participate in capital projects, system upgrades, and strategic improvement initiatives.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement action plans to improve results.

Requirements

• Minimum 2+ years of leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading production, maintenance, reliability, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience utilizing root cause analysis methodologies.
• Working knowledge of safety management systems and manufacturing compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with maintenance management software (CMMS).
• Effective leadership, communication, and team-development skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence teams at all levels of the organization.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience within wood products, building materials, forest products, engineered wood, plywood, OSB, lumber, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting or managing capital improvement projects.
• Proven record of improving plant performance through operational excellence initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Annual performance-based incentive opportunities
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement savings program with company contribution
• Relocation assistance, where applicable
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing manufacturing organization
• Collaborative leadership team and strong operational support structure