Assistant Plant Manager

Professional Placement Services; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Professional Placement Services in Akron, OH is seeking an Assistant Plant Manager on a succession track to Plant Manager. This hands-on leadership role oversees operations, partners with the Plant Manager, and drives continuous improvement to keep production moving safely and efficiently.

Ideal candidates have leadership experience in manufacturing (steel/aluminum processing or assembly preferred), strong communication, and bilingual English/Spanish.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to collaborate with plant, office, and management teams.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Bilingual in English & Spanish (required).
• Degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Engineering preferred.
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, AutoCAD, and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Support strong shift start-ups, scheduling, staffing, and material setup to minimize downtime.
• Drive production efficiency and meet output goals.
• Apply mechanical aptitude to identify issues and perform basic troubleshooting.
• Partner with Quality Control to enforce and maintain product quality standards (QFS).
• Lead preventative maintenance efforts and respond to equipment breakdowns.
• Enforce and promote plant safety programs and safe work practices.
• Identify, communicate, and implement process improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, QC, purchasing, and sales.

Skills

Strong communication

Bilingual English & Spanish

Leadership

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Industrial/Manufacturing/Engineering degree

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

AI tools

Job description

ASSISTANT PLANT MANGER

Succession Track to Plant Manager

If you’re ready to lead, learn, and grow into a Plant Manager role, we want to hear from you.

Akron, OH

$80,000–$95,000

Are you a hands‑on manufacturing leader ready to take the next step in your career? This is a career‑path opportunity for someone who wants to grow into a Plant Manager role while making an immediate impact on day‑to‑day operations.

We’re looking for a driven Assistant Plant Manager with leadership experience in manufacturing—ideally within steel or aluminum processing or assembly—who thrives on the floor, leads by example, and knows how to keep production moving efficiently and safely.

What You’ll Do

As the Assistant Plant Manager, you’ll partner closely with the Plant Manager to keep operations running smoothly, efficiently, and safely. You’ll oversee supervisors and team leads, anticipate operational needs, and help drive continuous improvement across the facility.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Support strong shift start‑ups, scheduling, staffing, and material setup to minimize downtime
• Drive production efficiency and meet output goals
• Apply strong mechanical aptitude to identify issues, perform basic troubleshooting, and understand equipment operation
• Partner with Quality Control to enforce and maintain product quality standards (QFS)
• Lead preventative maintenance efforts and respond to equipment breakdowns
• Enforce and promote plant safety programs and safe work practices
• Identify, communicate, and implement process improvement opportunities
• Coordinate with internal teams including production, maintenance, QC, purchasing, and sales
• Keep the Plant Manager informed on workload, schedules, challenges, and special projects
• Foster a culture of fairness, trust, safety, and quality

Leadership & Team Responsibilities

• Ensure equipment is operating properly and employees are working safely
• Act as the communication bridge between the Plant Manager, Supervisors, and Team Leads
• Handle employee relations with professionalism, confidentiality, and fairness
• Proactively identify outstanding tasks and coordinate execution with leadership teams

What We’re Looking For

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with plant, office, and management teams
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Bilingual in English & Spanish (required)
• Degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Engineering preferred
• Strong computer skills including MS Office, AutoCAD, and AI tools
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality processes
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and manage competing demands
• Adaptable, flexible, and comfortable in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
• Self‑driven with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on quality and accountability

Why This Role?

• Clear path to Plant Manager
• High‑impact leadership role
• Hands‑on environment where your decisions matter
• Stable manufacturing operation with growth opportunity

Job Number: 4359