What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Plant Manager position at MKB?
Summary:
MKB Company is a leading provider of stormwater management and environmental control solutions, serving customers nationwide with a broad portfolio of products focused on erosion control, sediment management, and water quality. Our commitment to innovation, service, and execution enables contractors and distributors to deliver better environmental outcomes with confidence.
Guided by our core values—Respect People, Always; Own the Outcome; and Grow Together—we are committed to building strong teams and delivering operational excellence across our network.
As we continue to grow and strengthen our operations, we are seeking an experienced Assistant Plant Manager to support and enhance manufacturing performance at our Deshler facility. This role will focus on leading daily production operations, improving efficiency, developing team members, and driving a strong culture of continuous improvement.
The Assistant Plant Manager will work closely with plant leadership and cross-functional partners to implement consistent MKB processes and standards, identify and execute improvement opportunities, and build a high-performing, engaged production team. This role plays a key part in advancing operational excellence, strengthening employee engagement, and ensuring the facility is well-positioned for long-term success.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for leading day-to-day production operations at the Deshler facility, with a strong focus on efficiency, team development, and process consistency. This role partners closely with the Plant Manager to align priorities, support plant performance, and implement MKB operational standards.
This position is both a leader and a hands-on problem solver—driving accountability, supporting employees, and continuously improving how work gets done.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Production Operations & Performance
- Lead daily production activities to ensure output, quality, and efficiency targets are met
- Monitor key production metrics and proactively address gaps in performance
- Coordinate with maintenance and supply chain to ensure equipment uptime and material availability
- Support production scheduling and execution to meet customer demand
Continuous Improvement & Process Standardization
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and implementing practical solutions
- Support the rollout and adoption of MKB production processes, systems, and best practices
- Improve workflow consistency, documentation, and operational discipline across shifts
- Partner with leadership on initiatives that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall performance
Team Leadership & Engagement
- Lead, coach, and develop production team members, including leads and operators
- Foster a positive, accountable work environment aligned with MKB’s core values
- Address performance and attendance issues with consistency and fairness
- Build team engagement through communication, recognition, and clear expectations
Training & Workforce Development
- Strengthen onboarding and training programs for new and existing employees
- Ensure team members are properly trained on equipment, processes, and safety requirements
- Support cross-training and skill development to build a more flexible workforce
- Reinforce standard work and expectations to drive consistency and quality
Safety & Compliance
- Promote and model a strong safety culture in alignment with company standards
- Ensure adherence to OSHA regulations, company policies, and safe work practices
- Participate in incident investigations and support corrective actions
- Reinforce the importance of safety in all aspects of production
Collaboration & Communication
- Partner closely with the Plant Manager to align on priorities, performance goals, and operational needs
- Collaborate with Operations, HR, Safety, and Supply Chain to support plant success
- Communicate clearly and consistently with team members and leadership on performance, challenges, and progress
- Other duties as assigned
- Regular, consistent and punctual attendance is required.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Requirements and Qualifications
Required:
- 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production leadership role
- Strong understanding of production operations, equipment, and workflow optimization
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and improve performance and engagement
- Experience identifying and implementing process improvements
- Commitment to workplace safety and compliance
Preferred:
- Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience supporting operational transitions, integrations, or process standardization efforts
- Proficient computer skills, including experience with manufacturing software and Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Able to continuously stand or walk on level or uneven ground
- Able to ascend and descend ladders, stairways and incline catwalks.
- Ability to bend, crouch and/or kneel at waist or knees
- Ability to lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work outside majority of the time and withstand extreme weather conditions. Exposure to hot, cold, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather.
- Wear protective or safety attire on a weekly basis.
- Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that might produce minor cuts or scrapes.
- Are occasionally exposed to bright or dim lighting conditions.
- May deal with sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
- Work close to others
Salary : $85,000 - $110,000