Job Description Assistant Plant Manager plans, directs and coordinates the food manufacturing operations of an organization. This position is responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability of departmental and organizational operations through the provision of effective methods and strategies. Reports to the Plant Manager Direct reports include Shift Managers and other departments as deemed necessary ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Oversee all daily plant operations to meet production schedules and demand targets. This includes supporting quality standards, inventory accuracy, production planning schedules, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing corrective actions to improve efficiency  Ensure strict adherence to sanitation, food safety, and quality standards, including regulations from bodies like the USDA and FDA, as well as HACCP and GMP protocols  Work closely with food quality safety (FSQ) team to uphold product standards, to ensure compliance with company standards and product integrity.  Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as lean manufacturing practices, to maximize output, reduce waste and downtime, and optimize processes Act as the primary point of contact for Managers/Supervisors to address immediate problems that arise on the plant floor. This includes making quick, informed decisions to handle issues like equipment malfunctions, quality deviations, or staffing shortages Ensure effective resource allocation and use of equipment Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve plant and company objectives Collaborate and oversee other levels of the organization â€¯Lead, mentor, and motivate Managers/Supervisors and production line team members across multiple shifts. Responsibilities include hiring, training, and performance management to build a positive, high-performing culture Conduct weekly staff meetings to communicate changes, updates, or notifications Review/monitor monthly operations budget and discuss budget overruns Assist in preparation of annual operation budgets and capital expenditures for plant operations to achieve budgets