Assistant Plant Manager
Position Overview
DSJ Global is working with a leading manufacturer in the paper and building products industry who is seeking an Assistant Plant Manager to support and co-lead daily operations and maintenance activities at a high-volume manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this individual will play a key role in driving operational performance, improving reliability, developing talent, and fostering a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement.
This position offers significant visibility within the organization and provides an opportunity to influence plant performance while preparing for future leadership advancement.
Key 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.
Required Qualifications
- 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.
What Will Put You Ahead
- 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.
What the Company Offers
- 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
FAQs
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