Assistant Plant Manager

The Assistant Plant Manager supports the Plant Manager in the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the facility. This position provides leadership for production, quality, maintenance coordination, process improvement, employee development, and customer technical support.The Assistant Plant Manager works closely with operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, sales, and customers to achieve business objectives, improve operational performance, and ensure the successful implementation of new processes, equipment, and procedures.Who we areAt SMS group, our people are our greatest asset. We offer an entrepreneurial environment that promotes a culture of innovation, growth, and inclusion. We offer company events, activities, and opportunities to participate in charitable initiatives that benefit the communities where we are located. What you'll doSupport the Plant Manager in the daily operation of the facility and assume leadership responsibilities in the Plant Manager’s absencePromote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulationsMonitor production, quality, delivery, productivity, labor, and cost performance against established objectivesLead or support continuous-improvement initiatives designed to improve safety, product quality, productivity, equipment reliability, and customer satisfactionMaintain regular contact with customers and respond promptly to technical, equipment, process, and trial-related inquiriesDevelop, coordinate, track, and report the results of customer-related operational and process improvement trialsReview customer business plans and develop action plans identifying how process engineering and technical services can support customer objectivesCoordinate investigations into the root causes of breakouts, equipment failures, quality concerns, and other operational problems at customer facilitiesParticipate in customer problem-solving teams and provide technical assistance related to casting processes, equipment performance, and product qualityAssist with the implementation and standardization of improved procedures, processes, and equipment at the facility and at customer locationsRecommend improvements that increase equipment in-service life, reduce repair time and costs, and improve operational performanceCoordinate with maintenance and engineering personnel to identify equipment reliability and process improvement opportunitiesAssist with periodic audits of business and quality systems and recommend corrective actions and improvement opportunitiesPrepare and evaluate quotations and estimates and assist with proposal and contract reviews as requiredCoordinate the customer gauge calibration programAssist customers in developing specialty tools and coordinate the related manufacturing opportunities with SMS Technical ServicesSupport the Product Development division in trials involving new equipment, materials, procedures, and casting processesContribute to the improvement of engineering design procedures, technical methods, and operating standardsSupport employee training and customer training on process technology, product quality, safety, and new proceduresMaintain current knowledge of casting technology, industrial equipment, process improvement methods, and relevant industry developmentsAssist the Operations Manager – Repair and other management personnel as directedPrepare reports, presentations, procedures, and other documentation required for internal and customer useSupervisory ResponsibilitiesSupervise, coordinate, or provide functional leadership to assigned employees and teamsAssign work, establish priorities, and monitor completion of operational and technical activitiesParticipate in hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and employee developmentPromote accountability for safety, quality, attendance, productivity, and compliance with company proceduresSupport workforce planning, scheduling, and coordination across departments as requiredProvide leadership during customer trials, plant improvement activities, and operational problem-solving eventsWhat you'll needBachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Materials, Metallurgical, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited four-year college or university; or six to ten years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experienceExperience in manufacturing, steelmaking, continuous casting, refractory products, industrial equipment, or a related technical environmentSupervisory, operations leadership, process engineering, or plant management experience preferredDemonstrated ability to lead improvement initiatives and solve operational and quality problems using structured root-cause analysisWorking knowledge of production operations, equipment performance, quality systems, maintenance coordination, and workplace safetyAbility to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, technical specifications, engineering documents, blueprints, drawings, procedures, and government regulationsAbility to analyze and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and regulatory requirements.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, business correspondence, procedures, and presentationsAbility to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, managers, customers, and other stakeholdersProficiency with spreadsheet, word-processing, presentation, and business management softwareAbility and willingness to travel to customer facilities and provide occasional support outside normal working hours, as requiredCompetitive compensation, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid vacation, paid holiday time, 401k with a company match, training, a tuition reimbursement program and more! SMS group Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity or other categories protected by law.