Assistant Plant Manager - Future Plant Manager Development Program

About the Role

The Assistant Plant Manager position is part of Ball’s Future Plant Manager Development Program, a strategic leadership development track for high‑performing operations leaders who aim to become Plant Managers within one year or less. Candidates will gain direct exposure to all aspects of plant leadership and build a career pathway within Ball’s manufacturing network.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and support teams through a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Drive plant performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost, customer service, and employee development metrics.
• Build leadership capability by coaching managers, supervisors, and future leaders throughout the organization.
• Support plant strategy, workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
• Partner in financial planning, budgeting, capital planning, and operational decision‑making.
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives that improve operational performance, efficiency, and employee engagement.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of plant leadership in preparation for future Plant Manager opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a high‑volume environment.
• Experience leading supervisors, managers, or functional leaders.
• Demonstrated ownership of safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and workforce performance.
• Experience leading large manufacturing teams through multiple layers of leadership.
• Proven track record of developing talent, building leadership capability, and creating succession pipelines.
• Strong business acumen with exposure to budgets, labor planning, workforce development, and operational performance metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high‑speed manufacturing, packaging, metals, consumer products, food & beverage, chemical, glass, plastics, paper, or other process manufacturing.
• Experience supporting plant budgeting, capital planning, labor planning, and workforce development initiatives.
• Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or similar manufacturing system experience.
• Union and/or non‑union manufacturing leadership experience.

Career Advancement & Mobility

This position is a key component of Ball’s long‑term Plant Manager succession strategy. Candidates must be willing and able to relocate for future Plant Manager opportunities across Ball’s manufacturing network; geographic mobility is required for career progression within the program.

About Ball

Ball is a global leader in sustainable aluminum packaging and one of the world’s most respected manufacturing organizations. Leaders have the opportunity to influence large‑scale operations, develop high‑performing teams, and build meaningful careers in an organization committed to operational excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people development.

Compensation

Expected hiring salary range: $115,000 – $164,300 (determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data). This role is eligible to participate in the annual incentive compensation plan.

Benefits

Ball offers a comprehensive benefits structure detailed on the “Total Rewards” page, including relocation assistance.

Work Environment

The position is based onsite in the plant and requires regular in‑person engagement. Travel and local commute between Ball locations and other possible non‑Ball locations may be required.