Assistant Plant Manager

Assistant Plant Manager

AJM Packaging Corporation

Joplin, MO

Position Overview -

AJM Packaging Corporation, one of America's leading manufacturers of paper products, including paper plates, cups, bowls and bags, is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Plant Manager with experience in supporting high speed and volume manufacturing operations by leading teams, optimizing production processes, and ensuring product quality, safety and efficiency.

We seek a professional with a passion for production management excellence, and a leadership tool set that includes Lean Manufacturing principles, 5S, and an enlightened approach to ensuring the top quality of our products. The individual filling this position will have leadership and optimization responsibility for multiple operations areas including production management, quality assurance, inventory, warehousing, shipping and receiving, and product launch.

Responsibilities & Duties -

• Assist in the planning, coordinating, and managing of the entire plant and its staff in such a manner as to ensure that all company objectives and production goals are continually met.
• Review overall operation and processes and identify areas for improvement for all functions. Be able to offer recommendations for improvement and be able to successfully implement changes. Act as a facilitator for the implementation of process or organizational change.
• Ensure an effective maintenance program for machinery and the facility is in place and adhered to.
• An ongoing customer service focus, with a deep commitment to meeting customer expectations and rigorous delivery schedules.
• Oversee inventory levels. Order or make procurement requests for any needed production materials, supplies, equipment, tools, replacement parts or similar items.
• Supervise staff to include but not limited to: designating work assignments, providing instruction, reviewing completed work, and providing input for performance appraisals.
• Provide continuing oversight and training staff to increase their levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ensure that staff strictly adheres to all safety rules, guidelines, and procedures.
• Must adhere to Operational KPS's.
• Enforce corporate and plant quality standards.

Minimum Requirements -

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business or Engineering.
• Seven or more year's operations management experience in high volume manufacturing operations, paper converting experience a plus but not required.
• Additional training in Lean principles and effective leadership preferred.
• Strong management, leadership, organizational and administrative skills, able to multi-task and stay cool under pressure.
• Excellent communications skills and the ability to drive and set expectations and ongoing operational improvements.
• Mechanically inclined with strong problem-solving skills.
• Hands on, walk around plant floor management style.
• Ability to effectively communicate with, relate to and motivate all employees.

Benefits -

At AJM, our comprehensive "Cafeteria Benefits Plan" and "Flexible Spending Arrangement" (FSA), truly sets us apart from the competition. Under the cafeteria plan you'll receive a comprehensive package of company paid medical, dental, optical, life and disability insurance coverage.

Summary of Benefits -

• Medical Insurance (BCBS)
• Dental Insurance
• Optical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Cafeteria Benefits Plan
• Flexible Spending Agreement
• Health Savings Account
• Child & Dependent Care Savings Account
• 401 K Retirement Plan (with Safe Harbor Company Match)
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance/Wellness Program
• Paid Vacations
• Paid Holiday
• Paid Sick & Personal Time
• Professional Development Program (AJM University)

About Us -

AJM was originally founded as a distributor of commercial paper, plastic and foil packaging products and related cleaning, janitorial and order processing supplies and equipment by three (3) Detroit area brothers operating out of a small warehouse in Detroit's Eastern Market. In 1957 they built and moved into slightly larger quarters on Detroit's southwest side, where, for the very first time, they began manufacturing their own products. Over the ensuing decades, AJM gradually evolved from its broadline distributor beginnings into a major paper products manufacturer, today employing nearly 3,000 people and operating eight (8) manufacturing and five (5) warehouse/distribution facilities strategically located throughout the United States.

Some things have undoubtedly changed since AJM was founded, but the company's commitment to its customers and employees, alike, has not wavered and is deeply embedded in its DNA. So, too, is the founding brothers' entrepreneurial spirit, "can do" attitude and singular focus on the value proposition that has fueled the company's success from the very beginning. We're still family owned and operated, still manufacturing our products in the good old USA and still providing our customers with the same reliable service and quality products they've come to expect from AJM for more than 75 years now.

Career Development -

At AJM, we realize we will only go as far as our employees can take us and, for that reason, we invest millions of dollars every year on both classroom and on-the-job training to develop our employees' skills and promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement. There are no barriers to impede your progress here and no ceilings to halt your advance. You'll control your own destiny, and we will help you reach your full potential with both in-house development programs and tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate level college studies. Join our team and see where your AJM journey takes you!

For More Information -

Visit our website at

AJM Packaging Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or other legally protected status

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.