Assistant Plant Manager

Department: Operations
Reports To: Plant Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Assistant Plant Manager supports the Plant Manager in leading daily plant operations to achieve production, safety, quality, and cost objectives. This role provides hands-on leadership in a chemical manufacturing environment, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements while driving operational efficiency, team performance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

• Oversee daily production activities including batching, blending, and liquid filling operations
• Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining efficiency, quality, and safety standards
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics (e.g., throughput, yield, downtime, labor efficiency)
• Troubleshoot operational issues and coordinate timely resolution

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Directly supervise production personnel and frontline supervisors
• Train, coach, and develop employees to improve performance and engagement
• Address employee relations matters in partnership with HR in a consistent and compliant manner
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable safety and environmental regulations, including:

• OSHA standards (including Hazard Communication and Process Safety Management, if applicable)
• EPA and state environmental regulations (waste handling, emissions, chemical storage)

• Enforce plant safety policies and lead by example in safe work practices
• Conduct or support safety audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe chemical handling procedures

Quality & Process Control

• Partner with Quality to ensure products meet specifications and regulatory requirements
• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and batch documentation accuracy
• Identify and implement corrective actions for quality deviations

Continuous Improvement & Maintenance Coordination

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste
• Collaborate with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS to support plant objectives
• Communicate effectively across departments to ensure alignment and timely issue resolution

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of production employees and supervisors
• Responsibility for performance management, training, discipline, and workforce development

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical manufacturing (batching and/or liquid filling)
• Forklift, RCRA, and TEXAS Hazardous waste certifications preferred but not required.
• Shipping and Receiving management experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial equipment and production processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Applications.
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and chemical handling regulations

Physical Demands

• Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and lifting (up to50lbs)
• Must be able to safely work in a manufacturing environment with chemical exposure risks
• Requires use of hands, tools, and equipment

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to:

• Chemicals, fumes, and airborne particles
• Noise, temperature variations, and industrial equipment
• PPE required in designated areas