Assistant Plant Manager

Talent Acquisition Team • Arcola, IL

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Plant Manager supports day-to-day manufacturing and distribution operations at Herff Jones’ Cap & Gown site in Arcola, Illinois, reporting to the Plant Manager. The role helps drive safety, efficiency, service excellence, and operational results, particularly during seasonal peak periods. It collaborates with leaders across functions and supports strategic initiatives, with an emphasis on leading as a business leader as well as a functional leader.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, distribution, materials, or a similar function.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, operations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement efforts with measurable financial impact.
• Ability to connect with and influence employees at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated success with inventory management and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting budgets, staffing plans, and KPI-driven performance.
• High level of personal and team accountability.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in high-pressure environments.
• Strong sense of urgency and desire to exceed expectations.
• Experience conducting staffing analysis, managing operational costs, and implementing programs in manufacturing or warehouse environments.
• Proven ability to execute projects and initiatives with measurable cost and time savings.
• Able to regularly lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Able to perform activities including lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, and twisting; reading, communication, and math; and extended computer work.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual English/Spanish capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Plant Manager on daily EHS risk management and injury prevention across the site.
• Work with customer service, sales, and operations leaders to manage inventory and customer requirements while supporting the Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Cost scorecard.
• Support site on-time delivery, manufacturing schedule attainment, and operational targets.
• Assist the Plant Manager with financial objectives, including budgeting, workforce planning, scheduling, and seasonal staffing.
• Provide operational updates and metrics to the Plant Manager and other Cap & Gown leaders.
• Lead daily walkthroughs and monitor critical metrics, performance drivers, and operational troubleshooting.
• Support professional development and accountability among department leaders.
• Coordinate daily plant operations, including communication, goal achievement, customer requirements, and scheduling for efficiency and quality.
• Lead assigned operational projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other assigned leadership duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager