Assistant Plant Manager

Job description

BASIC FUNCTION: Based at our Superior, Arizona production facility, the Deputy Plant Manager is responsible for supporting the overall leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of the site while directly leading production operations. This role serves as the operational partner to the Plant Manager and plays a key role in strengthening day-to-day execution, improving reliability, developing people, and driving operational excellence across a food-grade, pharmaceutical, and industrial mineral manufacturing environment. The position combines hands-on production leadership with broader plant management responsibilities and is designed as a development path toward future plant leadership roles. The USAZ site operates under stringent food safety, quality, environmental, and safety standards including FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. RESPONSIBILITIES: Operations Leadership Lead daily production activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations Partner with the Plant Manager to execute site objectives, operational priorities, and continuous improvement plans Coordinate production, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and supply chain activities to achieve production, cost, and service targets Improve operational discipline, shift execution, communication, and accountability across the plant Monitor KPIs and operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reliability, and profitability Support the transition from reactive operations toward a more structured, performance-driven operating model Provide leadership presence on the production floor and support off-shift operations as required Act as site operational leader in the absence of the Plant Manager Continuous Improvement & Reliability Drive Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, problem solving, and continuous improvement initiatives Analyze production, quality, downtime, maintenance, and cost data to identify trends and improvement opportunities Partner with maintenance and technical teams to improve equipment reliability and plant performance Lead or support process optimization, capacity improvement, and operational excellence projects Promote visual management, standard work, performance boards, and daily operational reviews People Leadership Develop a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and operational excellence Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, operators, and production personnel Support workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding, succession planning, and employee development initiatives Conduct performance reviews, establish development plans, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback Promote cross-training and the development of future shift leaders and operational talent Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Perform all work in compliance with health and safety standards, environmental requirements, and quality systems Champion a strong safety culture focused on hazard identification, risk prevention, and employee engagement Ensure compliance with food safety, pharmaceutical, GMP, and customer quality requirements Support internal and external audits, corrective action programs, and management system compliance Reinforce high standards for housekeeping, documentation, traceability, sanitation, and operational discipline Business & Plant Management Support Support budget development and management of operational costs, including labor, maintenance, and consumables Participate in capital project planning, implementation, and commissioning activities Collaborate with regional and functional teams to achieve operational and strategic objectives Assist in developing long-term organizational capability and succession plans for key operational positions. QUALIFICATIONS: Education Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related discipline preferred Equivalent combination of education and industry experience will be considered. Experience Minimum 7-10 years of progressive manufacturing or industrial operations experience Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience in a production, operations, maintenance, or plant management environment Experience in mineral processing, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, bulk material handling, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred. Proven track record of leading teams, improving plant performance, and implementing operational improvements Experience supporting GMP, food safety, FDA-regulated, or quality-driven manufacturing environments is considered a strong asset Knowledge and Skills: Strong leadership and people development capabilities Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and drive accountability Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, equipment reliability, and maintenance coordination Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Understanding of OPEX, CAPEX, budgeting, and operational performance metrics Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ERP systems such as SAP Working Conditions: Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures Significant time spent on the production floor interacting with employees and operations Occasional off-hours, weekend, and emergency support required Ability to travel periodically for training, benchmarking, or operational meetings WHY CANDIDATES JOIN OMYA: Join a global leader in industrial minerals and specialty materials Play a key leadership role within a unique food-grade and pharmaceutical manufacturing operation Be part of a site transformation focused on operational excellence, reliability, and sustainable growth Work alongside experienced professionals across operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, and continuous improvement Opportunity to develop toward future Plant Manager and broader operational leadership positions Competitive compensation, benefits, and career development opportunities within an international organization Global company with operations in more than 50 countries 140+ years of industry leadership Internal advancement opportunities Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) with Company match Paid Time Off & Holidays Overtime opportunities Safety-first environment Company values driven organization EOE