Assistant Plant Manager

Assistant Plant Manager

The Assistant Plant Manager supports the Plant Manager in overseeing all aspects of plant operations, with a focus on safety, quality, production efficiency, labor optimization, and team development. This role ensures execution of daily operational goals while driving continuous improvement in our molded fiber production, including pulping, forming, drying, hot pressing, printing, and packaging processes. The ideal candidate has strong leadership, process discipline, and manufacturing acumen in a high-speed, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities :

• Support and enforce all safety, GMP, and environmental compliance policies; promote a safety-first culture.
• Assist in managing production schedules, labor, and materials to meet volume, scrap, and quality targets.
• Monitor key performance indicators (OEE, scrap %, lbs / hr, downtime, labor efficiency) and take corrective actions.
• Lead and develop supervisors, line leads, and operators; help resolve performance and behavioral issues.
• Partner with maintenance to prioritize and execute preventative maintenance and root cause repairs.
• Assist in implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality checks, and shift transition protocols.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across pulping, forming, drying, hot press, and finishing departments.
• Participate in improvement projects related to reliability, process stability, and cost per pound reduction.
• Support training initiatives for new hires, leadership development, and technical certifications.
• Act as Plant Manager delegate in their absence, with full operational oversight.

Qualifications

Qualifications :

Education : Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred. And / or Proven, Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience : 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or assistant manager role. High Speed Manufacturing, Molded fiber or pulp-based production experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams, enforce accountability, and deliver measurable operational improvements.

Proficiency in using production metrics and reports to drive decisions.

Strong understanding of safety regulations, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills.

Willingness to be hands-on and visible on the plant floor.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment :

Must be able to work in a semi-climate-controlled, fast-paced industrial environment.

Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and lift 50 lbs.

Availability for flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, or holidays as needed.

Pactiv Evergreen is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Pactiv Evergreen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, religion, creed, age national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity and / or expression, marital status, veteran status or other characteristics or statuses protected by law. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please call (847) 482-4320 or email TalentHelp@Pactiv.com. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines and applicable laws.