An established manufacturing organization is seeking a highly organized and results-driven Assistant Plant Manager to oversee daily operations at its manufacturing facility in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This position is responsible for managing production activities, ensuring efficient manufacturing processes, maintaining product quality and food safety standards, and leading Production and Sanitation Supervisors and their teams to achieve operational goals safely and cost-effectively. The Assistant Plant Manager will drive continuous improvement, optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will have strong leadership and problem-solving skills, experience managing production teams in a food or beverage manufacturing environment, and the ability to improve operational performance while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and productivity.
This salaried position reports to the Plant Manager and offers a competitive compensation package, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits.
Principal / Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate daily production activities to ensure production schedules are executed accurately, efficiently, and on time.
- Supervise and support Production and Sanitation Supervisors and their teams, providing coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities to strengthen employee performance and morale.
- Partner with Quality teams to ensure products consistently meet established company standards and applicable regulatory requirements for food safety, quality, and product consistency.
- Identify and implement lean manufacturing initiatives and process improvements to increase operational efficiency, reduce waste, improve productivity, and lower manufacturing costs.
- Maintain accurate production records, prepare performance reports, monitor key operational metrics, and participate in audits and inspections.
- Monitor raw material usage and coordinate with procurement to maintain adequate inventory levels while minimizing excess inventory and material waste.
- Coordinate plant shutdowns in collaboration with Maintenance to support equipment servicing, planned maintenance activities, and operational readiness.
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, FDA, GMP, HACCP, food safety, and other regulatory requirements.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, manufacturing practices, and operational trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Assist with recruiting, selecting, onboarding, and integrating new employees into the organization.
- Identify employee training needs and ensure appropriate training programs are developed and delivered to support job performance, safety, quality, and operational effectiveness.
- Work cross-functionally with Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, Supply Chain, and other departments to resolve operational issues and achieve plant objectives.