Assistant Plant Manager - Forging Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Assistant Plant Manager – Forging Operations

(Succession Track to Plant Manager)

Location: Redford, MI

Industry: Industrial Manufacturing / Metal Forging

Job Type: Full-Time | Onsite

Compensation: $135,000-$150,000

Reports To: Plant Manager

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an Assistant Plant Manager with forging manufacturing experience to support day-to-day plant operations while developing into a future Plant Manager. This is a high-impact leadership role designed for an operations professional who understands the demands of forging environments and is ready to grow into full plant ownership over the next few years.

Working directly under the current Plant Manager, this individual will gain hands-on exposure to all aspects of forging operations including production, maintenance, quality, safety, workforce leadership, and financial performance. The role offers a clear succession path for someone looking to step into senior plant leadership within a forging-focused operation.

What You’ll Do

• Support the Plant Manager in overseeing daily forging plant operations across production, maintenance, quality, and safety

• Assist with production planning, scheduling, and execution in a high-heat, high-throughput forging environment

• Partner with supervisors and department leaders to drive efficiency, uptime, and continuous improvement

• Monitor KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, scrap, and cost

• Help manage labor utilization, workflow, and work-in-process

• Support budget tracking, cost control initiatives, and operational financial performance

• Reinforce a strong safety culture within a forging and heavy industrial environment

• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to supervisors and frontline leaders

• Assist with workforce development, training, and performance management

• Support forging equipment, tooling, and facility maintenance planning and execution

• Participate in short- and long-term operational planning with plant leadership

• Gradually assume increased responsibility as part of a structured succession plan to Plant Manager

What You Bring

• 4+ years of experience in forging or metal forming operations (required)

• Background in industrial manufacturing environments with heavy equipment and thermal processes

• Proven ability to lead people in a production-focused, safety-critical operation

• Strong understanding of forging workflows, production scheduling, and throughput management

• Ability to analyze operational issues and support corrective actions

• Working knowledge of production metrics, cost controls, and basic financial concepts

• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent hands-on manufacturing leadership experience

• Desire and capability to grow into a senior Plant Manager role

What’s Offered

• Clear succession path to Plant Manager

• High-visibility role within forging operations

• Competitive compensation and benefits package

• Long-term stability within an established industrial manufacturing operation

• Opportunity to grow into full plant leadership responsibility