GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Assistant Plant Manager is a hands-on manufacturing leader responsible for strengthening daily production execution across the plant.
This role works with the Plant Manager and Production Supervisors to ensure schedules are executed safely, workflow remains stable, and operational standards are consistently upheld.
The Assistant Plant Manager maintains a strong presence on the production floor, helps remove operational obstacles in real time, and reinforces accountability across shifts as KEES grows its manufacturing capacity.
For this position KEES is not looking for the status quo. We are looking for the skills needed to add to our existing capabilities. The ideal candidate will have experience with with LEAN, 5S and Servant Leadership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Production Leadership
- Maintain consistent and visible leadership presence on the shop floor.
- Support execution of daily production schedules to meet on-time delivery goals.
- Identify bottlenecks and coordinate corrective action to maintain throughput.
- Monitor workflow and WIP levels to ensure smooth movement between departments.
- Reinforce quality standards and ensure adherence to customer requirements.
Supervisor & Lead Support
- Partner with the Plant Manager an d Production Supervisors to maintain clear expectations and performance standards.
- Provide coaching and guidance to employees
- Support hiring, onboarding, and performance discussions when needed.
- Reinforce professional workplace standards and team accountability.
- Promote effective shift-to-shift communication and disciplined handoffs.
Safety & Compliance
- Promote and enforce safe working practices.
- Ensure adherence to company safety policies and OSHA standards.
- Address unsafe behaviors or conditions promptly.
Operational Discipline & Growth
- Support structured production processes and data-informed decision-making.
- Assist in evaluating plant capacity based on scheduling inputs.
- Participate in workflow improvements, equipment optimization, and implementation of 5S and LEAN
- Help reinforce consistent operating standards.
Qualifications
- 8–15 years of progressive manufacturing experience preferred
- Minimum 3–5 years in a formal production leadership role (supervising teams or departments).
- Experience in fabricated metal, sheet metal manufacturing, welding, machining, or similar industrial environments preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead in structured, performance-oriented production settings.
- Experience supporting or overseeing multiple operational areas is preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
- Professional presence and emotional maturity when working with hourly teams and supervisors.
- Experience in a unionized environment is a plus.
Education & Experience
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred, or equivalent hands-on production leadership experience.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with heat, noise, and physical activity.
- Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed.
- Must actively engage in safe working practices.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- List your salary expectations and please be specific.
- To be considered for this position, you must complete the prescreened survey with the following link: https://surveys.cultureindex.com/s/sEtogyfs8n/9911
Ability to Commute:
- Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 (Required)
Work Location: In person
