Assistant Plant Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401K Match
Bonus Eligible

Schedule: 1st Shift
 
Work Location: On-Site

ROLE PURPOSE / POSITION SUMMARY

The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for leading Production, Maintenance, and Supply Chain functions within the plant. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role ensures efficient production execution, optimal equipment performance, and effective oversight of material flow, inventory management, and supply chain coordination. The Assistant Plant Manager fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence while ensuring alignment between production schedules, inventory requirements, and customer expectations. This position plays a key role in developing team capabilities, optimizing resource utilization, and supporting cross-functional initiatives that enhance overall site performance.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Accountabilities

Team Leadership:

• Build and sustain a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Provide leadership and direction to production, maintenance, and supply chain teams.
• Develop and structure a capable leadership team that effectively motivates, teaches, coaches, and mentors employees.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development through training programs and coaching.
• Engage cross-functional partners to enhance overall plant performance.

Production Management:

• Partner with Supply Chain and customers to plan and execute production schedules.
• Monitor production metrics to identify improvement opportunities and optimize resource utilization.
• Collaborate with production teams to meet operational efficiency and output targets.
• Implement best practices, standard work, and work instructions to ensure consistent quality and product performance.

Maintenance Oversight:

• Support daily operations by reducing machine breakdowns and building operator capability in basic maintenance tasks.
• Maintain optimal equipment and process conditions in a cost-effective manner.
• Lead the maintenance team in coordinating preventive maintenance schedules.
• Respond quickly to equipment issues and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained in optimal working condition.
• Support functional departments with maintenance and infrastructure needs.

Supply Chain Oversight:

• Oversee end-to-end supply chain activities, including material planning, inventory management, receiving, storage, and outbound flow.
• Provide direct leadership to supply chain personnel, including the Supply Chain or Materials Manager.
• Ensure accurate inventory levels for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Partner with procurement and planning to prevent shortages, reduce excess inventory, and optimize material availability.
• Ensure timely and accurate material flow to support production schedules.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, traceability, and documentation requirements across the supply chain.
• Drive improvements in material handling, inventory accuracy, and supply chain efficiency.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead production, maintenance, and supply chain teams to achieve daily operational goals.
• Partner with Supply Chain and customers to execute production schedules efficiently.
• Monitor KPIs and production metrics to identify and address performance gaps.
• Implement standard work, best practices, and quality-focused work instructions.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance activities and ensure timely response to equipment issues.
• Oversee supply chain operations including material planning, receiving, inventory control, and outbound flow.
• Manage supply chain leadership roles and ensure effective staffing, training, and performance management.
• Ensure accurate and timely material flow to support production requirements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve site performance and support business objectives.
• Support infrastructure and maintenance needs across all functional departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / CAPABILITY PROFILE

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Minimum Experience

• 5+ years of experience in Operations or Production Management.
• Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience interacting with customers.
• Experience leading and developing both salaried and hourly employees.
• Experience in supply chain or materials management preferred.

Minimum Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective leadership and delegation capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Operating knowledge of manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Understanding of supply chain processes, material flow, and inventory control.
• Experience managing and interpreting operational and inventory metrics.
• Lean/Six Sigma experience is a plus but not required.