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Plant Associate Jobs in Wayne, MI (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Plant Manager

Ferndale, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guides and supports a team of two or more associates involved in activities related to the plant, quality assurance lab, and/or drivers. * Coordinates and partners with other Plant Supervisors to ...

Assistant Plant Manager

Ferndale, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guides and supports a team of two or more associates involved in activities related to the plant, quality assurance lab, and/or drivers. * Coordinates and partners with other Plant Supervisors to ...

Production / Plant Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred * 7+ years of manufacturing experience * 3+ years of plant leadership or production management experience * Manufacturing experience within metal ...

Plant Manager

Troy, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Manager Chesterfield, MI, United States Come build something that matters. It takes great ... associates. The Person: You love to learn and grow and be acknowledged for your valuable ...

Plant Administration Assistant

Warren, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plant Administration Assistant You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring ... Associates orBachelorsDegree preferred * Previousexperience with SAP * High ability to exercise ...

Plant Administration Assistant

Warren, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plant Administration Assistant You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring ... Associates orBachelorsDegree preferred * Previousexperience with SAP * High ability to exercise ...

Plant Administration Assistant

Warren, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Plant Administration Assistant You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring ... Associates orBachelorsDegree preferred * Previousexperience with SAP * High ability to exercise ...

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Label Printing Plant Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Meet plant's operating objectives, production efficiency, safety, regulatory, and quality targets. * Oversee production scheduling, raw materials, plant maintenance, finished goods inventory and ...

Plant Operations Manager

Taylor, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview COME BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH VIBRA HEALTHCARE! We are seeking a Plant Operations Manager to ... Associate's Degree in Engineering, Building Management or related field preferred. * Electrician ...

Plant Operations Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview COME BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH VIBRA HEALTHCARE! We are seeking a Plant Operations Manager to ... Associate's Degree in Engineering, Building Management or related field preferred. * Electrician ...

Plant Operations Manager

Taylor, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview COME BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH VIBRA HEALTHCARE! We are seeking a Plant Operations Manager to ... Associate's Degree in Engineering, Building Management or related field preferred. * Electrician ...

Plant Operations Manager

Detroit, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview COME BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH VIBRA HEALTHCARE! We are seeking a Plant Operations Manager to ... Associate's Degree in Engineering, Building Management or related field preferred. * Electrician ...

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Plant Associate information

See Wayne, MI salary details

$11

$18

$30

How much do plant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant associate in Wayne, MI is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Wayne, MI are hiring for Plant Associate jobs?

Cities near Wayne, MI with the most Plant Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Associate job openings in Wayne, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,157 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Assistant Plant Manager - Dearborn Truck Plant

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Person  The Assistant Plant Manager is the "COO" of the plant, has holistic understanding of manufacturing and business operations, taking full accountability of plant operations and culture aligned with Ford's leadership core values of Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration and a servant leadership mentality.   What you'll be able to do In addition to the domain expertise required (business, data and technical acumen along with manufacturing proficiency), the Assistant Plant Manager will demonstrate the following Ford Operating System and Servant Leadership capabilities:   Excellence
  • Leverage data and insights to drive lean improvements that deliver on cost and quality targets.
  • Continually seek opportunities to improve processes and outcomes, leveraging KPIs and the PDCA model
  • Hold self and others accountable for excellence and adherence to operational and behavioral expectations
  • Effectively collaborate with Area Managers, Process Coaches and Hourly Employees 
  • Develop "leaders as teachers" and prioritizes ongoing development and evaluation of employee performance to drive results.
  • Lead implementation of the Ford Production System aligned with lean principles and behaviors.
  • Lead transformation and change management efforts to advance the company's competitiveness. 
  • Elevate concerns/risks and recognizes achievements  
Functional & Technical KnowledgeThe minimum requirements we seek
  • Associate's degree or equivalent experience in an engineering or technical field.

  • 5+ years of progressive responsibilities and experience in operations leadership.

  • Extensive experience in high-volume, complex, manufacturing environments. 

  • Expertise in lean, kaizen and TPS is a must.

  • Basic understanding of managing a Profit and Loss statement, demonstrating strong financial acumen. 

  • Experience successfully leading a manufacturing function and directly overseeing 50+ hourly employees at once.

  • Demonstrated track record of building trust and rapport with employees and stakeholders and creating positive and healthy cultures.

  • Aspiration for continued career growth and new challenges.

  • Must be open to relocation

#LI-CB1

Focus
  • Serve as partner to Plant Manager and change agent driving results and leveraging relationships to get things done
  • Establish and operationalize a local vision and mission through clear goal-setting and communication
  • Ensure operational stability by implementing disciplined processes and standards, meeting jobs per hour, rolled -throughput-yield, quality, and other key metrics.
  • Strong problem solver who can lead effectively under pressure and crisis manage when necessary.
  • Manage costs and resources responsibly and for the betterment of the plant
Collaboration
  • Has self-awareness and a deep understanding of employee's aspirations, strengths, and well-being, evidenced by employee engagement scores, regular check-ins, and time spent on the plant floor (80%).
  • Partner with Plant Manager to build a positive and inclusive culture by leveraging diverse viewpoints and mutual respect.
  • Foster collaboration on best practices, standardized work, and building networks across functional areas.
  • Build strong relationships with employees, Employee Resource Groups, the union, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
  • Consistently demonstrate empathy and Gemba, engaging regularly with employees on the plant floor to listen and problem solve.
  • Role model authenticity and inspires through charismatic communication and leading by example 
  • Bring a high level of energy and effort to all tasks

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982