Stark Recruiting Partners

JOB TITLE: Assistant Plant Manager

Industry: Manufacturing

Type: Full-time position

Location: Baytown, TX

Compensation: Competitive base salary + full benefits + 401K + PENSION + Work-Life Balance

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Plant Manager to manage the daily activities of a packaging and processing facility in support of the Plant Manager. This role carries primary accountability for safety, production, quality, reliability, and continuous improvement. The Assistant Plant Manager serves as the acting Plant Manager in their absence and is the senior operational leader on site.

Responsibilities

• Drive a zero-incident safety culture through visible leadership, safety observations, and accountability at all levels; lead the Safety Committee and ensure all incident investigations, OSHA reporting, MOC reviews, and LOTO/JSA compliance are completed timely.
• Monitor plant operations 24/7 across all departments, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and customer commitments are met; oversee bulk loading, packaging lines, and all production documentation.
• Drive a continuous improvement food safety and quality culture by monitoring and closing audit findings, maintaining AIB compliance, and tracking all regulatory requirements.
• Champion equipment reliability as the top operational priority by driving the shift from reactive to planned and preventive maintenance; monitor maintenance KPIs including Planned vs. Reactive percentage, WO Backlog, and Top Assets by WO Count.
• Monitor and manage the operating budget across all departments; review actual vs. budget monthly, present variance analysis, identify cost reduction opportunities, and hold department supervisors accountable for spending within their budgets.
• Drive 5S discipline and Lean improvement initiatives across the facility; identify and execute waste reduction projects that improve throughput, reduce cost, and improve working conditions.
• Directly lead a team of 6 supervisors and 1 on-site engineer, developing direct reports through coaching, individual development plans, structured training programs, and stretch assignments.
• Manage the plant and serve as the primary decision-maker when the Plant Manager is absent, including weekends, vacations, and travel; interface with corporate leadership and customers as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing, chemical, food processing, or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple departments simultaneously with strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Working knowledge of reliability principles, preventive maintenance programs, and maintenance KPIs.

Other Relevant Information

• This position can NOT provide visa sponsorship

Stable company with good benefits and work-life balance