Assistant Plant Manager

We are working with a meat stick/meat snack manufacturer based in Florida, that is about to undergo a period of significant growth! They are looking for a talented, highly driven Assistant Plant Manager to work very closely with the Plant Director during this transition! This person will be responsible for managing the process, people and productivity related to manufacturing across all shifts. This is a leadership position that will continue to grow, develop and manage supervisors, operators and staff.

Location: Ocala, FL

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze manufacturing data and identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify and utilize methods to ensure manufacturing processes are more efficient and effective (reducing waste, labor cost, etc.)
• Drive continuous improvement and implement process improvements necessary for sustained growth of the business
• Manage production plans throughout all production stages on a shift by shift basis to prevent issues and operational inefficiencies.
• Maintain compliance with food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP, USDA, FDA).
• Work closely with the quality assurance team to uphold product standards.
• Ensure all employees follow OSHA guidelines and plant safety protocols.
• Manage the facility’s operational cost effectively.
• Monitor production costs, labor expenses, and material usage to meet financial goals.
• Oversee proper utilization of machinery and equipment to prevent breakdowns.
• Meet production targets without compromising quality or safety.
• Develop next level leaders on the floor creating a talent pool to draw from.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, (meat/meat snack manufacturing required)
• Solid understanding of Lean/TPS Manufacturing practices - JIT, 5S, 5 Why, Production Leveling, Kaizen, Standard Work, etc.
• Experience developing and implementing production KPIs
• Strong understanding of costs, margins, pricing, manufacturing capacity, etc.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate and address business challenges effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in coaching, team development, and engagement, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships both internally and externally.