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 driving high speed world class manufacturing operations through leading teams, optimizing production processes, and ensuring product quality, safety and efficiency.

We seek a professional with a passion for manufacturing excellence, and a leadership tool set that includes demonstrated implementation in Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, VSM, STD Wk., QCO, TPM, JIT, visual management, error proofing, and kaizen 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, quality, maintenance, inventory, warehousing, shipping and receiving, and product launch.

Responsibilities & Duties -

• Lead 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.
• Drive a holistic Lean and Continuous Improvement program across the entire facility. Review overall operation and processes. Identify areas for improvement and successfully implement sustainable and quantifiable changes. Act as a change agent for the implementation of process or organizational change.
• In concert with Corporate Maintenance direction, ensure an effective maintenance excellence program for machinery and the facility is in place and adhered to.
• Drive an ongoing customer service focus, with a deep commitment to meeting customer expectations and rigorous OTIF 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, generally to include production supervisors and other functional line managers, in the designating of work assignments, providing instruction, reviewing completed work, and leading in performance management.
• Provide continuous leadership in machine operator and technician training to increase their knowledge, skills, and cross functional abilities.
• Drive behavioral based safety. Ensure that staff strictly adheres to all safety rules, guidelines, and procedures.
• Enforce corporate and plant quality standards are understood, adopted and adhered to.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned from time to time.

Minimum Requirements -

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Business or Engineering preferred.
• Seven or more year's operations management experience in 24/7 high volume manufacturing operations required. Paper or other consumer packaged converting experience a plus but not required.
• Demonstrated strength in Lean principles (Black Belt preferred) with ability to drive companywide transformation.
• 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, Gemba management style required.

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.