Assistant Plant Manager

Metal Technologies•Three Rivers, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Plant Manager is a developmental leadership position designed to prepare high-potential leaders for future Plant Manager opportunities within Metal Technologies. Working closely with the Plant Manager, this position develops the leadership, operational, financial, and strategic competencies necessary to successfully lead a manufacturing facility. The Assistant Plant Manager partners with department managers across Operations, Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Human Resources, Scheduling, and other functional areas to improve safety, quality, productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability. This position progressively assumes broader operational leadership responsibilities while serving as the designated backup to the Plant Manager and acting on behalf of the Plant Manager during planned absences.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
Demonstrated success leading teams or departments.
Proven ability to drive operational improvements.
Experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong leadership and organizational skills.
Ability to influence and lead through department managers.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to analyze operational and financial data.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Knowledge of manufacturing operations and production systems.
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles.
Working knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong customer relationship and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and company software systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.
Foundry or heavy manufacturing experience.
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training.
Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Experience leading multiple functional departments.
Working knowledge of APQP, IATF 16949, and customer requirements.
Knowledge of foundry operations, maintenance systems, engineering, and quality systems.

Responsibilities

Assist in directing the overall operation of the manufacturing facility to safely meet customer, operational, quality, and financial objectives.
Coordinate daily plant priorities across all functional departments.
Support the achievement of production schedules while maintaining safety, quality, delivery, and cost expectations.
Monitor plant performance metrics and assist in identifying improvement opportunities.
Support implementation of company initiatives and operational strategies.
Partner with department managers to improve communication, teamwork, and operational execution.
Coach and support department managers in achieving departmental goals.
Facilitate daily production meetings and cross-functional planning meetings.
Help resolve operational barriers impacting plant performance.
Lead plant-wide projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
Learn to lead through department managers rather than through direct supervision of frontline employees.
Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives supporting: Safety, Quality, Productivity, Equipment utilization, Cost reduction, Delivery performance, Employee engagement.
Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
Utilize plant metrics and data to drive operational decisions.
Encourage collaboration between departments to improve overall plant performance.
Gain knowledge of plant budgeting processes.
Participate in monthly financial reviews.
Develop understanding of: Profit & Loss statements, Labor efficiency, Material costs, Capital expenditures, Inventory management, Operational cost drivers.
Participate in preparing annual operating and capital budgets.
Assist in identifying cost reduction opportunities.
Support financial improvement initiatives.
Learn to evaluate return on investment for capital projects.
Assist with tracking plant financial performance and key business metrics.
Participate in customer visits, audits, and business reviews.
Support customer issue resolution in partnership with department managers.
Develop relationships with customers, suppliers, and corporate support functions.
Represent the plant during customer interactions as assigned.
Champion a culture where safety is the highest priority.
Support compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company policies.
Participate in safety reviews, investigations, and corrective actions.
Promote accountability for safe work practices throughout the organization.
Serve as the designated backup for the Plant Manager.
Assume responsibility for day-to-day plant operations during the Plant Manager's absence.
Coordinate department managers to ensure operational continuity.
Make operational decisions within delegated authority.
Escalate significant safety, customer, financial, or operational issues appropriately.
Represent the plant in meetings with customers, suppliers, corporate leadership, and community partners when necessary.