Assistant Plant Manager - Brick Mfg.

Assistant Plant Manager

On behalf of our client, a leader in the brick/paver manufacturing industry, we are in search of a talented Assistant Plant Manager to join their team in Harrison, Ohio. 

Position Summary

The Assistant Plant Manager supports the Plant Manager in overseeing all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, safety, inventory control, and employee development. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient manufacturing processes, maximizing productivity, maintaining product quality standards, and fostering a safe and positive work environment. The Assistant Plant Manager serves as a key leader within the facility and acts on behalf of the Plant Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising daily manufacturing activities to meet production schedules and customer requirements.
  
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and throughput.
  
• Ensure optimal utilization of equipment, materials, and labor resources.
  
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and waste minimization.
  
• Analyze operational metrics and prepare reports on plant performance.
  

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
  
• Ensure compliance with all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and applicable legislation.
  
• Conduct safety inspections, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-ups.
  
• Lead and participate in safety meetings and training programs.
  

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all concrete products meet company specifications and customer requirements.
  
• Collaborate with Quality Control personnel to maintain product consistency and performance standards.
  
• Investigate quality issues and implement corrective and preventive measures.
  
• Support process improvements to enhance product quality and reduce defects.
  

Maintenance & Reliability

• Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
  
• Assist in developing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
  
• Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
  
• Monitor maintenance expenditures and recommend cost-effective solutions.
  

Leadership & Employee Development

• Supervise production supervisors, team leaders, and hourly employees as assigned.
  
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees to maximize performance and engagement.
  
• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, training, and performance management activities.
  
• Foster a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor raw material inventories and production supplies to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  
• Assist in managing operating costs, labor efficiency, and material utilization.
  
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process optimization.
  
• Support inventory accuracy and cycle count programs.
  

Qualifications

Education 

• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
  

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
  
• Experience in concrete products, building materials, aggregates, cement, precast, masonry, or heavy industrial manufacturing preferred.
  
• Demonstrated success leading production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and KPI management.
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, and maintenance practices.
  
• Knowledge of concrete production processes and materials is an asset.
  
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
  
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Ability to analyze production data and drive operational improvements.
  

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to dust, noise, moving machinery, and varying temperatures.
  
• Frequent walking throughout the facility and occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.
  
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts and respond to operational needs when required.