Assistant Manufacturing Manager

Elkay; Lumberton (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Health Savings Account

Up to 3 weeks of vacation

12 Paid Holidays

Annual Bonus Eligibility

Educational Reimbursement

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Elkay Plumbing Products Co. is seeking an experienced Assistant Manufacturing Manager to assist in running day-to-day operations effectively. This role includes overseeing plant operations, supervising staff, ensuring workplace safety, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of manufacturing experience, including 5 years in management. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical and a 401(k) matching program.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Minimum 5 years in a management role.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate day-to-day manufacturing activities.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate supervisors and production employees.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements.

Skills

Strong mechanical, technical, and analytical ability

Problem-solving skills

Strong mathematical, written, and oral communication skills

Lean manufacturing principles

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, management, engineering or related discipline

Job description

Assistant Manufacturing Manager

Position Purpose

The Assistant Manufacturing Manager plays a key supporting leadership role, assisting the Manufacturing Manager to run day‑to‑day operations efficiently while meeting production, safety, and business goals.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversee Daily Plant Operations – Direct and coordinate day‑to‑day manufacturing activities to meet production schedules, quality standards, and efficiency targets.
• Supervise and Develop Staff – Lead, coach, and evaluate supervisors and production employees. Support hiring, onboarding, and training initiatives.
• Ensure Workplace Safety and Compliance – Enforce safety policies and procedures. Monitor compliance with regulatory standards and lead corrective actions when needed.
• Monitor Production Performance – Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as output, downtime, scrap, and labor efficiency. Take corrective action to address performance gaps.
• Drive Continuous Improvement Initiatives – Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements (Lean manufacturing, waste reduction, etc.).
• Coordinate Cross‑Functional Activities – Collaborate with maintenance, quality, supply chain, and engineering teams to resolve issues and improve operations.
• Manage Resources and Costs – Assist in controlling labor, materials, and operational expenses. Support budgeting and cost‑reduction efforts.
• Resolve Operational Issues – Troubleshoot production problems and implement timely solutions to minimize downtime.
• Maintain Quality Standards – Ensure products meet company and customer quality requirements. Support audits and quality improvement initiatives.
• Act in Leadership Capacity When Needed – Serve as backup to the Plant Manager and help execute strategic initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and direction to staff, including hiring, disciplinary action, staff development, goal formulation, and performance review.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Strong Strategy Deployment Skills and Financial Accumulation.

Scope

This role supports full plant operations, including production, safety, quality, and staffing. Responsible for managing 5+ salaried and salaried non‑exempt supervisors directly and approximately 180+ hourly teammates, with a 24‑hour accountability for the site and $115million in shipped units produced at the facility.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business, management, engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience in lieu of degree. 10+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry, including minimum 5 years in a management role, with a quantifiable record of accomplishments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors

• Strong mechanical, technical, and analytical ability, including problem‑solving skills and solid judgment.
• Strong mathematical, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience in Quality Assurance, Total Quality Management, Hazard Analysis Control Critical Process, and Safety.
• Thorough working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and proven experience in implementing process improvements.
• Complete understanding of business and management principles involved in strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Interpersonal skills with all external and internal customers – displays passion and optimism, conflict resolution, professionalism, confidentiality, timely and appropriate response to questions or complaints, seek feedback and consensus, meeting commitments, and building a team.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

This role requires frequent presence on the production floor, including standing, walking, and occasional lifting to 50lbs. The work environment includes exposure to industrial machinery, noise, dust, fumes, and varying temperatures (hot/cold). Required use of PPE such as safety glasses, steel‑toe boots, gloves, and hearing protection. May involve working around hazardous materials or chemicals. Flexibility in schedule is necessary to support plant operations.

Total Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Health Savings Account
• Up to 3 weeks of vacation (may increase with tenure)
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Eligibility
• Educational Reimbursement
• Matching Gift Program
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan – purchase company stock at a discount

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, or disability.