Associate Manager Manufacturing Operations (Line Lead)

Altria Client Services LLC in; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Paid time off

13 paid holidays

Performance bonus

401(k) matching

Professional development stipends

Medical, dental, and vision

Job summary

Altria is seeking an Associate Manager Manufacturing Operations (Line Lead) in the Richmond area to lead Production Team Leads, SMEs, and the Line Structure Team with 24-hour ownership of a production line. You will coach multiple shifts, drive root-cause problem solving, and build sustainable capability across the line.

The role requires 5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing, strong IWS and operations knowledge, and a proven track record of leading teams to zero-loss performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, including unionized settings.
• Knowledge of IWS (Integrated Work System) principles and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, labor/contract management, and technical skills.
• Strong safety, environmental, quality, and compliance responsibilities awareness.
• Understanding of union contracts and their application.
• Familiarity with machinery and computer applications used in manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of work processes, products, and materials across multiple facility areas.
• Ability to take responsibility for quality and prevent recurrence of issues.
• Proven ability to motivate and influence others beyond the immediate area.
• Autonomous decision-making with sound judgement and guiding others.
• Clear communication of complex information, with transparent progress updates.
• Ability to adapt plans as situations change and involve other teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Daily Direction Setting (DDS) meeting and drive action plans.
• Identify losses, root causes, and implement permanent fixes.
• Coach for planned stops and develop line capabilities.
• Lead weekly direction setting and 90-day line plan.
• Develop capacity by coaching shifts and addressing training gaps.
• Guide Daily Management Systems (DMS) and Standard Work Processes (SWP) for continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular health checks on DMSs and share DS meeting results.
• Handle discipline and expectations conversations with personnel.
• Complete administrative requirements (payroll, quality, training).

Skills

Supervisory leadership

IWS knowledge

Manufacturing operations

Safety & compliance

Union contracts

Machinery & computer systems

Process knowledge

Quality ownership

Leadership & motivation

Autonomy & judgement

Communication

Change management

Job description

Associate Manager Manufacturing Operations (Line Lead) (Finance)

Together We Innovate. Together We Change. Are you interested in a greater level of responsibility and opportunity while leading a team in an Integrated Work System (IWS) team structured environment in the role of a Manager, Manufacturing - Line Leadership? This role is responsible for leading Production Team Leads, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and the Line Structure Team (LST), with full 24-hour ownership of a production line or area-its results, culture, and organizational health. While technical expertise is important, success in this role is grounded in strong leadership, coaching, and the ability to build team capability. The ideal candidate champions a zero-loss mindset, drives root cause problem solving, and sets high standards through visible leadership and accountability. This role combines strategic direction-setting with hands-on coaching to ensure sustainable performance and long-term capability building.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the Daily Direction Setting (DDS) Meeting
• Identify top losses and identify appropriate action items drive to root cause and implement standards to fix forever
• Create Action Plan for the day, coordinate support, and document completed actions
• Provide coaching for Planned Stops across all shifts to ensure effectiveness
• Coach and develop capability across the shifts where top losses are not being resolved or performance is not being met.
• Lead Weekly Direction Setting for their area/line
• Develop and maintain line/area 90-Day plan with LST/TLs to identify trends in data and action items that may require additional resources or time to implement
• Drive the line team's development by providing day-to-day coaching, identifying losses that are tied to training gaps, and leveraging step-up cards to build capability
• Spend time on each shift to coach TLs and monitor progress of planned work
• Coach their team on Daily Management Systems (DMSs) and Standard Work Processes (SWPs) to continuously improve performance
• Conduct regular health checks on all active DMSs to identify opportunities, develop actions to resolve gaps, and share results in DS meetings
• Facilitate discipline/expectation conversations and processes for personnel in your area
• Execute additional administrative requirements as needed (payroll, quality, training, etc.)

What we want you to have:

• 5+ years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated success as a supervisor in a unionized environment.
• Knowledge of IWS (Integrated Work System) - functional knowledge, principles, aimed at driving continuous improvement and eliminating waste (losses).
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations - functional knowledge, labor/contract management, and technical knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of safety, environmental, quality and compliance responsibilities and can apply the principles of each on a regular basis and foster a culture that reinforces each on a consistent basis.
• Strong understanding of union contracts and how they apply to various situations.
• Understand how relevant machinery and computer applications function.
• Detailed knowledge of work processes, products, and materials across multiple areas within the facility.
• Takes responsibility for quality of work for self and others; analyzes root cause of issues and takes steps to prevent future related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and influence others both in and outside of primary area of responsibility.
• Able to work autonomously and can make decisions and exercise sound judgement with little to no approval. Can provide guidance to others.
• Ability to articulate complex information in easy-to-understand terms. Clearly and routinely outlines expectations and progress against the plan to individuals inside and outside of the assigned area.
• Can adjust plans as situations change unexpectedly within the facility.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness - proactively involves other teams to achieve results.

As a People Leader at Altria, you are accountable for both results and the experience of your team. You drive alignment by connecting strategy to daily work, and you model collaboration by embracing diverse perspectives. By creating trust, offering feedback, and leading with authenticity, you help strengthen Altria's culture and deliver meaningful outcomes.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $104,900.00 - $152,150.00.

Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:

• Work where life works for you - with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
• Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
• A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
• Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus
• A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
• Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
• Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
• A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.