Assistant Plant Manager

Evapco•Greenup, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Plant Manager (Succession Ready) is a senior operations leader responsible for managing major functional areas of a large heat exchanger manufacturing facility of approximately 600 employees. This role is intentionally designed to prepare the Assistant Plant Manager for full Plant Manager responsibility, including operational excellence, people leadership, financial performance, and cross‑functional alignment. The position requires a proven manufacturing leader with deep experience in welding, sheet metal, machining, and assembly operations, capable of operating at both the shop‑floor execution level and the site‑leadership level. The role will regularly act as the Plant Manager designee.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
Experience in heat exchangers, pressure vessels, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
Demonstrated success in welding‑intensive and metal fabrication environments with final assembly.
Deep understanding of: Welding processes and fabrication methods, Sheet metal and mechanical assembly operations, Industrial safety and quality systems, Plant scheduling to achieve financial budgets.
Experience leading large teams (400+ employees) in a non‑union setting.
Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products.

Nice To Haves

Prior responsibility for multi‑department operations is strongly preferred.
Proven track record of developing leaders and building strong teams.
Strong business acumen with P&L mindset.
Ability to balance: Short‑term execution, Long‑term strategic capability building.
Confident decision‑maker with executive presence.
Clear, direct communicator capable of leading change.
Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent.
Experience leading major capital projects or facility expansions.
Exposure to global operations or multi‑site manufacturing organizations.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for significant portions of plant operations, including: Welding and fabrication, Sheet metal, Machining: Metal cutting, milling, and lathe work, Heat exchanger coil fabrication, Assembly and sub-assembly functions, Manufacturing support functions (as assigned), Office Managers and Staff (as assigned).
Translate business strategy into executable operating plans.
Ensure safe, efficient, and predictable production performance.
Works collaboratively with Safety, Quality, Facilities, People Operations, and Production to ensure successful operation of the production area.
Takes ownership for Safety, Quality, and Production and promotes a continuous improvement mindset in all three areas of the business.
Act as Plant Manager in absence of the Plant Manager.
Directly and positively lead managers and senior supervisors.
Build strong leadership capability at the frontline and middle‑management levels.
Drive accountability through clear goals, performance management, and coaching.
Partner with People Operations (HR) on: Talent development and succession planning, Performance management, Engagement and retention strategies.
Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and results.
Own operating performance for assigned areas, including: Labor productivity & efficiency, Overtime control, Scrap, rework, and yield, Variable cost performance.
Actively support plant P&L objectives.
Lead cost‑reduction and margin‑improvement initiatives.
Participate in: Annual operating plan development, Capital planning and justification.
Make‑vs‑buy and footprint decisions.

Benefits

Medical, Vision, & Dental Insurance
Employee Stock Ownership Program – we are an employee-owned company
Profit Sharing Bonus – which is paid twice per year
(k)larity Plan - Voluntary Employee Retirement Savings Plan
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
Bereavement Pay
Company Paid Basic Life Insurance equivalent to base salary, with option for Supplemental Life election
Paid Sick Leave
Long Term Disability