Assistant Plant Manager

Hohmann & Barnard Inc

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all site-level manufacturing operations within a precision fabrication environment, including laser cutting, CNC programming, steel stamping, wire forming/bending, assembly, inventory control, and material flow.

This role drives operational excellence through technical oversight of fabrication processes, advanced laser programming optimization, equipment utilization (OEE), quality performance, cost control, and workforce development. The Assistant Plant Manager is accountable for achieving key performance indicators related to safety, throughput, scrap reduction, on-time delivery, and operating budget adherence.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture across fabrication, stamping, and wire forming operations.
• Ensure OSHA compliance, machine guarding integrity, lockout/tagout adherence, and proper PPE usage.
• Conduct safety audits within laser cutting cells, press operations, and wire bending equipment.
• Provide technical leadership for CNC laser & plasma cutting systems (e.g., Amada, Komatsu, Trumpf, or equivalent).
• Oversee nesting optimization, cut parameter development (feed rate, power, assist gas), and material utilization efficiency.
• Drive reduction in scrap and rework through programming refinement and first-piece validation processes.
• Ensure proper calibration, focus alignment, and preventative maintenance of laser systems.
• Collaborate with engineering on CAD/CAM integration and program validation prior to production release.
• Monitor machine uptime, cutting efficiency, and consumable life to improve OEE.
• Supervise stamping operations including progressive dies, transfer dies, and single-hit press applications.
• Ensure die setup accuracy, tonnage monitoring, and part conformity to dimensional tolerances.
• Partner with tooling and maintenance teams to minimize downtime and improve changeover efficiency (SMED).
• Drive scrap reduction and die performance optimization.
• Oversee CNC wire bending/forming machines and related automation.
• Ensure program accuracy, tooling selection, bend sequence optimization, and repeatability.
• Monitor wire feed systems, straighteners, and cut-to-length performance.
• Collaborate with quality to maintain tight tolerance control on formed components.
• Partner with Master Planner/Scheduler to align production output with demand and capacity planning.
• Drive throughput improvements across laser, stamping, forming, and secondary operations.
• Accountable for production quality, first-pass yield, and corrective action implementation.
• Maintain MRO budget and ensure cost-effective procurement of tooling, consumables, and spare parts.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives including Kaizen events, 5S, visual management, and waste elimination.
• Monitor KPIs including OEE, scrap %, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to manage raw material levels (sheet steel, coil stock, wire rod).
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions within ERP/MRP systems.
• Oversee cycle counts, annual physical inventory, and WIP accuracy.
• Optimize material flow from receiving through fabrication to shipping.
• Work closely with Maintenance to maximize equipment uptime across lasers, presses, and wire formers.
• Ensure adherence to preventative and predictive maintenance schedules.
• Support root cause analysis on equipment failures.
• Drive continuous improvement in machine reliability and asset longevity.
• Maintain plant organization and cleanliness aligned with 5S methodology.
• Implement continuous improvement strategies to improve workflow and reduce bottlenecks.
• Support layout optimization initiatives for fabrication cells and material staging.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels aligned with production demands.
• Enforce performance management standards.
• Develop team members in laser programming & operation, press setup, wire forming, and Lean methodologies.
• Foster cross-training initiatives to increase workforce flexibility.
• Lead by example in accountability, discipline, and performance expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by manager(s).

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years supervisory experience in fabrication, machine shop, or metal manufacturing environment.

• Advanced technical knowledge of fiber laser cutting systems and CAD/CAM programming.

• Strong understanding of:

• Nesting software optimization

• CNC code interpretation

• Stamping press operations and die setup

• Wire forming/bending processes

• Sheet metal fabrication best practices

• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience preferred.

• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel for KPI tracking and data analysis).

• Ability to analyze production metrics and implement corrective actions.

• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.

• Ability to wear required PPE in industrial environment.

• Minimal travel required.

• Valid Driver's License preferred

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.