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Plant Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Directs production, distribution, maintenance, receiving, and supervisory operations for the Plant, by performing the following duties personally or through plant associates. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Directs production, distribution, maintenance, receiving, and supervisory operations for the Plant, by performing the following duties personally or through plant associates. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Plant Manager will be based at the Jackson, TN, plant and will report to the Director ... Foster an environment of unity and associate engagement where individual associates are valued ...

Plant Controller

Morristown, TN · On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Harmer Associates has partnered with a thriving manufacturing company seeking to hire for position of Plant Controller . * Location: Morristown, Tennessee (open to relocation) * Work Model: Onsite

... our customers, associates, and communities. If you are seeking a family-oriented company that ... The Plant Engineer serves as the second-in-command to the Plant Manager, with shared accountability ...

Responsible for always maintaining associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant * Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems * Flexible to ever-evolving pilot ...

R10098118 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Kingsport, TN - Filling industrial - 440 How will you ... Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement ...

R10098118 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Kingsport, TN - Filling industrial - 440 How will you ... Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement ...

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Plant Associate information

What is a plant associate?

Plant Associates are workers who perform various tasks in industrial, manufacturing, or processing plants. Their responsibilities often include operating machinery, monitoring production processes, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Plant Associates may also assist with inventory management, cleaning, and shipping or receiving materials. The specific duties can vary depending on the type of plant and the industry. They typically work as part of a team to help ensure the plant runs efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Associate, you need a solid understanding of basic manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, production management software, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe production and contribute to maintaining a productive work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by plant associates, and how can they be successfully managed?

Plant Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production schedules, maintaining strict safety standards, and handling repetitive tasks efficiently. To manage these, it's important to develop strong attention to detail, stay proactive about following safety protocols, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Many companies provide ongoing training and support, so taking advantage of these resources can help you adapt quickly and contribute positively to the team's productivity.

What is the difference between Plant Associate vs Greenhouse Worker?

AspectPlant AssociateGreenhouse Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require horticulture certificationsHigh school diploma; horticulture or plant science knowledge beneficial
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor plant care areas, retail or production settingsIndoor greenhouse environments, controlled climate settings
Employer & Industry UsageNurseries, garden centers, agricultural companiesGreenhouse farms, plant production facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between a Plant Associate and a Greenhouse Worker lies in their work environment and specific job functions. Plant Associates often work in retail or outdoor settings, assisting with plant care and customer service, while Greenhouse Workers focus on maintaining controlled greenhouse environments for plant production. Both roles require similar credentials and are common in horticulture industries, but their work settings and daily tasks differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Plant jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Plant Associate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Plant Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Plant Manager

Lebanon, TN • On-site


Welch Packaging Group
Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description:

SUMMARY

Provide leadership to deliver the Ultimate Customer Experience. Reduce labor costs in the plant manufacturing processes to achieve the pre-tax profitability goals of the organization. Directs production, distribution, maintenance, receiving, and supervisory operations for the Plant, by performing the following duties personally or through plant associates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  •  Establish and maintain a clean, safe, organized plant and work environment through enforcement of proper safety procedures and demonstrated support for the organizations Safety Program, including a proactive Safety Committee.
  •  Establish systems to provide high levels of customer service as measured by On-Time Delivery. 
  •  Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and control systems for plant operations. 
  •  Utilize standard work instructions as a key element of the plant’s Quality System.
  •  Lead pre-production, production, operations, and plant meetings to ensure on-time delivery, improved operating, quality, productivity systems and employee safety.
  •  Utilize production statistics and reports to communicate customer service, manufacturing performance and uncover production bottlenecks and increase throughput. Develop and execute corrective action plans.
  •  Manage the Maintenance functions to ensure minimal machine downtime and the establishment of an on-going preventative maintenance program.
  •  Assure that performance evaluations and reviews are performed and completed in a timely manner, through the Company’s Performance Review process.
  •  Manages all departments in the plant with department supervisors (or production manager) to maintain safety, quality, and efficient production.
  •  Coordinates production, distribution, and warehousing in accordance with policies, principles, and established procedures.
  •  Develops and implements plans for efficient use of materials, machines, and employees.
  •  Reviews production costs and product quality and modifies production and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operation of plant.
  •  Reviews financial performance of the plant to recommend to management opportunities for sales growth and cost savings.
  •  Comply with company policies and procedures.
  •  Additional duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

  •  College degree in Business, Engineering, Organizational Management, Supervision, or related field.

Experience:

  •  5 years of managerial experience in a manufacturing setting preferred.
  •  Computer literacy with HRMS and Windows applications. 
  •  Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and working with fractions. 
  •  Must have a working knowledge of equipment design and capabilities. 
  •  Must understand cost issues, budget development, adherence, and analysis. 
  •  Must understand quality systems and standards.

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES

  •  Strong written and oral communication. 
  •  Organization and attention to detail. 
  •  Analytical and problem-solving skills. 
  •  Time management. 
  •  Systems analysis. 
  •  Mathematical and deductive reasoning. 
  •  Critical thinking. 
  •  Active learning. 

PHYSICAL DEMAND/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

Physical Requirements:

  •  Ability to lift 50 lbs occasionally. 
  •  Ability to stand for long periods of time. 
  •  Ability to bend, twist, kneel, or a combination of movements that are similar. 

Work Environment:

  •  Exposure to moving mechanical parts.
  •  Wet and or humid conditions
  •  Office Setting, sitting for long periods of time.
  •  Occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
  •  Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Disclaimer: This list does not represent all physical demands. Descriptions are representative of those that must be met by employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the jobs’ essential functions.

Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran.

Requirements:




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