Assistant Production Manager

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets. We are searching for an Assistant Production Manager for our Simpsonville, SC location.  This position will report to the Production Manager. 

The Assistant Production Manager supports the Production Manager in leading all daily manufacturing operations within a 24/7 injection molding facility. This position is responsible for supervising production teams, driving safety, quality, productivity, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring customer delivery requirements are met. The Assistant Production Manager serves as the Production Manager's backup and helps develop front-line supervisors and production personnel. 

Responsibilities 

• Work alongside shift supervisors on quality, manpower and machine downtime 
• Adjust and communicate manpower assignments with mold changes and any quality changes 
• Monitor manpower issues such as shortages, quality concerns, training concerns, etc. and communicate with the Human Resource Manager 
• Set up the press processes for efficiency and safety 
• Assure all process boards are posted on the proper presses 
• Clean and organize the production floor 
• Assist Relief Operators with breaking associates in a timely manner 
• Aid in quality checks at the factory and the warehouse 
• Check for flash, shorts, label placement, proper counts, etc. 
• Maintain proper inventory levels 
• Order labels, pallet pads, boxes, check colorant, etc and submit orders to the Procurement Manager 
• Perform Monthly and Yearly inventory checks 
• Manage any returns from customers 
• Sort between defects and good product 
• Record and set aside all defects for grinding 
• Train any associates who help in this process 
• May participate in housekeeping, 5S, and/or in Lean activities 
• Adhere to all safety procedures 
• Excellent analytical & problem-solving skills 
• Organized, detail orientated, team player 
• Other duties and special projects as assigned by Management 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, manufacturing, or related field; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.  
• Minimum of 2 years of manufacturing leadership experience.  
• Experience within an injection molding or plastics manufacturing facility.  
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, scheduling, and production planning.  
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems. 
• Run a safe and clean operation that promotes zero accidents 
• Meet production and delivery schedules 
• Great attendance and punctuality are a must 
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, noise, machinery, and moving equipment.  
• Frequent walking throughout the production floor.  
• Ability to stand for extended periods.