Assistant Plant Manager

ImageFIRST; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Plant Manager to oversee daily operations at a healthcare laundry facility. This role requires a strong leader with extensive experience in manufacturing management, focusing on efficiency, quality, and safety standards. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. Join a collaborative team dedicated to enhancing patient satisfaction and operational excellence. If you are passionate about leadership and operational success, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k (match)

Paid Time Off Package

Great company culture

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in a leadership role within manufacturing is required.
• Strong understanding of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team ensuring accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee daily operations, production scheduling, and quality assurance.

Skills

Leadership

Operations Management

Problem-solving

Financial Management

Communication Skills

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or business administration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Word

Adobe

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

Founded in 1967, ImageFIRST is the largest and only national linen rental and laundry service specializing in the healthcare market. Acquired by private equity firm Calera Capital in 2018, ImageFIRST serves medical facilities nationwide providing linen, patient gowns, scrubs, and more while managing their clients’ linen inventory for cost management. As leaders in infection prevention, they currently own and operate the most HLAC-accredited facilities in the industry. With one of the highest customer retention rates in the industry – 97% – ImageFIRST is dedicated to improving patient satisfaction and making staff happy with our white glove service!

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• The plant manager will ensure the overall management and supervision of daily operations at our healthcare laundry facility. This individual should be able to drive optimal efficiency, quality, and safety standards in production as well as continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of supervisors, maintenance staff, and operational employees, ensuring a culture of accountability, consistent execution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee daily plant operations, including production scheduling, labor forecasting, staffing, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance, ensuring smooth, efficient, and cost-effective workflows.

• Ensure adherence to all regulations including safety (employee and workplace), environmental, quality, and legal standards that maintain a safe and compliant working environment for all team members.

• Drive process enhancements via a strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) that streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

• Manage plant budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

• Drive inventory management to ensure consistent materials supply and stocks, partnering with other teams (e.g., Procurement, Service, Logistics) as needed.

• Prepare regular reports/updates for senior management on key performance metrics, including production goals, plant performance, and any operational challenges.

• Manage talent recruitment and development efforts that drive high employee engagement, capabilities, and skills building, as well as performance delivery, and talent succession planning at the plant level.

• Create and manage 3rd party contractor relationships to ensure the seamless delivery of daily plant operations.

• Partner with Service teams to ensure Customer Advocates and customers receive their quality products in a timely manner.

• Able to travel to other company locations or supplier sites as needed (~10-15% travel may be required).

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or business administration.

Experience:

• 5 - 7 years extensive work experience (commercial, industrial, maintenance preferred) in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment, with a proven track record in plant management.

• Strong end-to-end understanding of manufacturing management including safety, product delivery and quality, continuous improvement, regulations, maintenance and/or facilities, and compliance management.

• Operations management expertise (e.g., Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certifications).

• Robust problem-solving, strategic thinking, and root-cause analysis for people management, process deviations, and complex challenges in alignment with advancing organizational goals.

• Financial management experience including P&L, payroll, budgeting, and cost control at the plant level.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word, Adobe, and ERP systems.

• Initiative-driven, action-oriented, individual with the interpersonal, analytical, organizational, time management, and communication (written/oral) skills required to lead, direct, and support diverse teams and stakeholders in a dynamic operations work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA preferred. Prior military experience (e.g., Sergeant or above) a plus.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

• Familiarity with Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001/ISO 9001) and guidelines including OSHA, DOT.

• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification.

• Experience with manufacturing software tools and reporting systems.

Company Values & Benefits

Our Core Competencies:

• Be Respectful: Value all we come in contact with.
• Be Remarkable: Create a positive moment with every interaction.
• Be Safe: Keep ourselves and those around us safe.
• Be Honest: Be guided by truthfulness in all we do.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay.
• Medical, Dental, Vision.
• Pet, Legal, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.
• 401k (match).
• Paid Time Off Package.
• Great company culture.
• Collaborative team environment.

EOE / Drug-Free Workplace

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are fueled by the talent, passion, and diversity of our associates.