Assistant Production Manager

Sharp Business Management Inc; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Coalition in Cleveland, OH is seeking an Assistant Production Manager to support daily operations in a batch chemical plant. You will mentor Shift Supervisors, Lead Operators, and operators, drive training initiatives, and stand in for the Production Manager when needed.

This role emphasizes safety, quality, and productivity: lead housekeeping and 5S, coordinate with maintenance and QA, review production data, and develop a high‑performing, safety‑minded workforce.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a batch chemical plant or related industrial environment.
• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in training, mentoring, or leading operators is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach Shift Supervisors and operators to meet safety, quality, and productivity targets.
• Direct housekeeping, 5S, and safety compliance across the production area.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, QA, and EHS to drive continuous improvement.
• Assist in incident management and training program development.
• Provide hands-on leadership and step in for the Production Manager when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Training

Safety

Quality

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Description

Coalition is a group of chemical companies working together to solve real‑world problems for customers across a wide range of industries. We operate under two main brands: Mission Chemical, which focuses on chemical distribution and logistics, and Element Chemicals, which specializes in chemical manufacturing and custom blending.

At every level, we lead with our values:

• Start with the Customer – We focus on solving problems through a consultative approach, staying flexible and putting people first—both inside and outside the company.
• Care Personally, Challenge Directly – We show respect, listen with intent, and create space for honest conversations that help us grow as individuals and as a team.
• Level Up – We bring a mindset of growth, take initiative, and push ourselves to keep improving—because better every day is how we succeed together.

We’re proud of the work we do—and the people we do it with.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Production Manager supports the Production Manager in directing the daily operations of the production department, ensuring that safety, quality, and productivity targets are consistently met. This role provides hands‑on leadership to Shift Supervisors, Lead Operators and production operators, drives operator training and workforce development, and serves as a key escalation point for troubleshooting complex process issues. The Assistant Production Manager helps build and sustain a safety‑focused, well‑trained, and high‑performing production workforce, and steps into direct plant operations in the Production Manager's absence.

What You'll Do

Production Leadership & Shift Oversight

• Support and coordinate the activities of Shift Supervisors/Lead Operators across all shifts to ensure volume, productivity, and quality standards are achieved.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching, and accountability to Shift Supervisors and production personnel.
• Assign work priorities, staffing needs, and resource allocation in coordination with the Production Manager.
• Lead or participate in employee evaluations, counseling, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Direct house keeping standards and 5S practices across the production area.

Safety & Quality Compliance

• Champion plant safety processes and compliance; immediately report and help correct unsafe conditions.
• Act as field Incident Commander during emergencies such as injury, fire, or gas release when required.
• Oversee and audit Safe & Hot Work Permit issuance and lockout/tagout (LOTO) verification practices.
• Ensure compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS) and support continual improvement of the site quality policy.
• Maintain familiarity with safe handling, environmental regulations, and emergency response requirements for materials handled on site.
• Support readiness for audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections related to safety, quality, and workforce competencies.

Production Planning & Troubleshooting

• Actively lead troubleshooting efforts with Shift Supervisors and maintenance to resolve complex process and equipment issues.
• Make regular rounds throughout the plant to identify and correct potential problems and verify safe, correct work practices.
• Review production reports and in‑process data to identify trends and drive process improvement.
• Set testing priorities with Lab personnel to ensure operational needs are met.
• Verify accurate inventory transactions and railcar/shipment documentation as needed.

Training & Workforce Development

• Partner with the Production Manager to develop, standardize, and continuously improve training programs for operators, technicians, and other production staff.
• Support on‑job training (OJT), qualification evaluations, and progression tracking to ensure alignment with SOPs and safety requirements.
• Identify workforce capability gaps and recommend targeted development plans in conjunction with the Production Manager and Production Trainer.
• Provide ongoing coaching to Shift Supervisors and operators as they progress through qualification levels.
• Support employee onboarding, orientation, and field expectations for new production hires.

Incident Management & Documentation

• Complete and review incident reports; counsel employees as needed and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Maintain accurate training records, qualification documentation, and shift/production reports within designated tracking systems.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication of production performance, training progress, and safety concerns to the Production Manager and site leadership.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with Production, Warehouse, EHS, and Quality teams to align operational and training goals.
• Participate in and help lead continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, workforce development, and operational performance.
• Serve as a backup to the Production Manager, directing plant operations in their absence.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a batch chemical plant, petrochemical, refinery, industrial manufacturing, or a similar environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role within a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with training, mentoring, coaching, or leading operators strongly preferred.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of industrial operations, chemical processing systems, equipment, and safe work practices.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements and training documentation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold shift teams accountable to safety, quality, and productivity standards.
• Ability to lead troubleshooting efforts and drive resolution of complex operational issues.
• Ability to deliver or support effective hands‑on training in high‑hazard or industrial environments.
• Strong communication, organization, coaching, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally and influence without direct authority.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure, including during emergency response situations.

Why Join Coalition? At Coalition, you’re not just taking a job—you’re joining a culture. You’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute to something bigger, and be surrounded by people who live our values. We’re committed to development, safety, and long‑term success for every employee.

Coalition is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.