Assistant Plant Manager

Job Summary:

The Assistant Plant Manager (Succession Ready) is a senior operations leader responsible for managing major functional areas of a large heat exchanger manufacturing facility of approximately 600 employees. This role is intentionally designed to prepare the Assistant Plant Manager for full Plant Manager responsibility, including operational excellence, people leadership, financial performance, and cross‑functional alignment. The position requires a proven manufacturing leader with deep experience in welding, sheet metal, machining, and assembly operations, capable of operating at both the shop‑floor execution level and the site‑leadership level.

The role will regularly act as the Plant Manager designee.

• Provide leadership for significant portions of plant operations, including:
  • Welding and fabrication.
  • Sheet metal.
  • Machining:
    Metal cutting, milling, and lathe work.
  • Heat exchanger coil fabrication.
  • Assembly and sub‑assembly functions.
  • Manufacturing support functions (as assigned).
  • Office Managers and Staff (as assigned).
• Translate business strategy into executable operating plans.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and predictable production performance.
• Works collaboratively with Safety, Quality, Facilities, People Operations, and Production to ensure successful operation of the production area.
• Take ownership for Safety, Quality, and Production and promote a continuous improvement mindset in all three areas of the business.
• Act as Plant Manager in absence of the Plant Manager.
• Directly and positively lead managers and senior supervisors.
• Build strong leadership capability at the frontline and middle‑management levels.
• Drive accountability through clear goals, performance management, and coaching.
• Partner with People Operations (HR) on:
  • Talent development and succession planning.
  • Performance management.
  • Engagement and retention strategies.
• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and results.
• Own operating performance for assigned areas, including:
  • Labor productivity & efficiency.
  • Overtime control.
  • Scrap, rework, and yield.
  • Variable cost performance.
• Actively support plant P&L objectives.
• Lead cost‑reduction and margin‑improvement initiatives.
• Participate in:
  • Annual operating plan development.
  • Capital planning and justification.
• Make‑vs‑buy and footprint decisions.

• 12+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience in heat exchangers, pressure vessels, or heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success in welding‑intensive and metal fabrication environments with final assembly.
• Deep understanding of:
  • Welding processes and fabrication methods.
  • Sheet metal and mechanical assembly operations.
  • Industrial safety and quality systems.
  • Plant scheduling to achieve financial budgets.
• Experience leading large teams (400+ employees) in a non‑union setting.
• Prior responsibility for multi‑department operations is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of developing leaders and building strong teams.
• Strong business acumen with P&L mindset.
• Ability to balance:
  • Short‑term execution.
  • Long‑term strategic capability building.
• Confident decision‑maker with executive presence.
• Clear, direct communicator capable of leading change.
• Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent.
• Experience leading major capital projects or facility expansions.
• Exposure to global operations or multi‑site manufacturing organizations.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products.

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods.
• Ability to handle high‑stress situations.
• Ability to take calls 24/7.
• Ability to come in during off hours to address issues.

• The salary range consists of base pay and most recent profit‑sharing bonus amounts.
• Medical, Vision, & Dental Insurance.
• Employee Stock Ownership Program – we are an employee‑owned company.
• Profit Sharing Bonus – which is paid twice per year.
• (k) larity Plan - Voluntary Employee Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Holidays.
• Paid Vacation.
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Bereavement Pay.
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance equivalent to base salary, with option for Supplemental Life election.
• Paid Sick Leave.
• Long Term Disability.