Assistant Plant Manager

Pencco, Inc; Vernon (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pencco, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Plant Manager to support the Plant Manager in ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant chemical manufacturing operations. You will assist with safety training, inventories, maintenance, and rail coordination while stepping in for the PM when needed.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, effective communication, and hands-on supervision of plant staff, safety programs, and day-to-day process improvements in a challenging industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Understanding of chemical processes and lab testing procedures.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in employee training and development.
• Exceptional organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to wear PPE and work in safety standards.
• Experience operating heavy machinery (forklifts, excavators, loaders, bobcats).
• Capable of lifting 50lbs or more.

Responsibilities

• Assist PM with safety, inventory, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Monitor equipment maintenance programs and monthly vehicle inspections.
• Coordinate rail operations and oversee PPE usage and safety training.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance coaching as needed.
• Communicate operational needs to management and assist with incident investigations.

Skills

Leadership/Team management

Chemical process understanding

Verbal & written communication

Employee training & development

Organizational & follow-up

PPE awareness & safety compliance

Heavy machinery operation

Lift 50 lbs+

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

Description

Job Overview:

The Assistant Plant Manager will be responsible for assisting the Plant Manager (PM) with all aspects of operations at the chemical manufacturing facility, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This role includes participating in safety training, maintaining inventories, responsible for equipment and vehicle maintenance, and coordinating rail operations when needed. The Assistant Plant Manager will also help to ensure proper PPE usage, investigate incidents, and communicate operational needs to management. In the absence of the Plant Manager the Assistant Plant manager will assume all duties of the Plant Manager.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Aid in the activities of plant employees involved in the transfer, handling, and storage of chemicals used in manufacturing.
• Remain aware of the plant’s employees schedules to meet customer demand.
• Review and approve employee timecards for payroll processing in the absence of the PM
• Provide support to the PM for counseling and corrective actions for employees as needed to address performance or behavioral issues.
• Assist with the hiring and onboarding of new employees when needed by the PM.
• Ensure employees utilize the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety standards.
• Attend biweekly safety training, including HAZMAT procedures, emergency response protocols, and proper handling of chemicals
• Provide support to PM for accident investigations for all workplace incidents or near misses, identify-ing root causes and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Stay informed about rail handling operations.
• Ensure plant operations comply with state, federal, and environmental regulations.
• Communicate with PM operational and equipment needs effectively to management.
• Be aware of raw material inventories, ensuring timely replenishment
• Monitor and maintain the equipment maintenance program
• Oversee the maintenance and monthly inspections of plant vehicles.
• Assist the PM in communicating with customers to address inquiries and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with additional projects and other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of chemical processes and lab testing procedures.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Skilled in employee training and development.
• Exceptional organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, crouch, and wear safety gear for extended periods.
• Experience operating heavy machinery (forklifts, excavators, loaders, bobcats) preferred.
• Capable of lifting 50lbs or more.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional education or experience in a related field may be required
• 3 years of manufacturing experience
• 3 years of maintenance experience
• 2 years of management experience