Assistant Plant Manager

About the Role

The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for managing the blending, packaging, maintenance, and distribution operations within the facility. This position ensures the company’s strategic plans are implemented and builds a safe, quality, and efficient operation. Responsibilities include developing and executing expense budgets and capital improvement budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision for the facility to align with corporate direction and present data to upper management clearly.
• Develop strategies to improve safety culture in collaboration with the EHS corporate Manager.
• Evaluate processes, recommend, and implement improvements to optimize efficiency.
• Establish and document standard operating procedures and ensure team adherence.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Lead the development and implementation of lean manufacturing programs, sustaining lean principles and diagnostic scorecard goals.
• Prepare, review, and distribute manufacturing and distribution metrics.
• Ensure performance and trending analyses are completed, with corrective actions and associate performance recognition plans executed.
• Guide operations managers on successfully managing budgets.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, receiving, and shipping of finished goods and raw materials.
• Collaborate with the EHS team to ensure safety policies are communicated and a safe workplace is maintained.
• Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve productivity, quality, and reduce costs or scrap.
• Direct the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of production standards.
• Collaborate with engineering on manufacturing information and technology to increase innovation and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead team members through feedback, training, and encouragement to enable growth and success.
• Establish performance expectations and provide regular feedback and reviews.
• Investigate performance concerns and implement disciplinary action, including termination, in compliance with company procedures.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on complaints, performance concerns, and hiring processes for direct reports.
• Adhere to company values, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, and regulations.
• Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Management, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• Five years of related experience in manufacturing and/or the chemical industry; or a combination of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge and skills.
• Verifiable track record of effective leadership and increasingly responsible experience in a manufacturing facility.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strong collaboration and leadership skills to supervise large work teams.
• Organizational and project management skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach to business.
• Ability to develop and interpret charts, graphs, and performance metrics.
• Basic understanding of lean skills, including root cause analysis, problem-solving, and statistical process control (SPC).
• Ability to read and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Proficiency in mathematical concepts to solve complex problems.
• Advanced knowledge of production and manufacturing operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to inspire and build team relationships.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Effective communication with co-workers, team members, and internal/external customers.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality in work duties.
• Ability to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to independently improve skills, abilities, and job knowledge.
• Efficient use of equipment, resources, and time.
• Good judgment in decision-making and professionalism in all interactions.
• Commitment to performing work safely at all times.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Desk-based role requiring prolonged sitting and manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Environmental Conditions

The environmental conditions described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the job.

• Office setting with average noise levels from conversation and office equipment.
• Exposure to manufacturing and distribution facilities, including moving machinery, high/precarious places, temperature/humidity changes, dust, odors, fumes, and loud noise levels.