Assistant Plant Manager

WHO IS DESIGN GROUP?

Design Group Americas is one of the U.S. leaders of gift packaging, crafts, décor, and creative play products with a portfolio of over 50 national brands, sold nationwide and around the globe in the mass, middle and specialty markets. We are proud to serve the best and biggest retailers in the market like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and JoAnn Stores PLUS over 7,000 independent specialty retailers.

Design Group is recruiting for an Assistant Plant Manager in our Jaurez, Mexico location. This position reports to the VP Manufacturing & Distribution.

The Assistant Plant Manager must learn and understand both USA and Mexico Customs and tax laws to ensure accurate information provision to the shelter. Active participation in the SWMA (Southwest Maquiladora Association), a group of local top managers that convenes monthly, is essential. This involvement provides a platform for continual learning and staying abreast of emerging issues in Mexico, including labor, safety, security, and other relevant areas.

WHAT WILL I DO IN THIS ROLE?

• Oversee and direct all manufacturing operations to ensure timely production and shipment of manufacturing orders, meeting customers' service levels.

• Ensure all products meet customer quality expectations.

• Implement cost-effective control systems for capital and operating expenditures, manpower, wages, and salaries.

• Establish and monitor plant performance metrics for production and quality standards.

• Control and minimize labor overtime, premium freight, and repair expenses while driving ongoing process improvement initiatives.

• Maintain plant facilities and equipment, including replacement, renewal, or upgrades when necessary.

• Provide leadership and training to accomplish company goals and objectives.

• Foster positive employee relations through effective communication, coaching, training, and development.

• Lead problem resolution efforts to facilitate fast improvements and enhance working relationships.

• Manage material requirements to increase inventory turns and reduce levels on hand.

• Coordinate plant activities with departmental managers to ensure manufacturing objectives are met efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal safety, health, and environmental regulations.

• Establish operational goals aligned with corporate objectives.

• Manage the ongoing R&D program and drive new product development to support sales and marketing objectives.

WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED?

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or an analytical field strongly preferred.

• Background in industrial engineering with 7 to 10 years of practical shop floor experience in consumer goods manufacturing, including first-line supervisor experience and managerial skills.

• Proficiency in manufacturing methods, process improvement programs, and procedures, including Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques.

• Ability to effectively manage expectations between multiple internal and external departments.

• Technical skills in materials and inventory management, production scheduling, and preventive maintenance.

• Excellent organizational and presentation skills with a high regard for confidentiality.

• Must be able to obtain necessary documentation for seamless travel between the US and our Juarez, Mexico facility, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

• Fluent in both Spanish and English.

Attendance: Regular attendance is an expectation of performance to ensure adequate staffing and meet expected productivity throughout the organization, employees will be held accountable for adhering to their workplace schedule.

Specific Working Conditions: The working environment includes moderate climate control throughout the facility, although specific areas may experience intermittent intense heat. In designated areas, loud noise is prevalent, necessitating the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The role also involves considerable walking and standing on cement floors, requiring physical endurance and comfort with extended periods of mobility.

WHAT DOES DESIGN GROUP OFFER ME?

We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including medical insurance and 401k with matching program as well as a paid time off plan including family leave options. Design Group believes in a fun, flexible work environment that allows your creativity to flourish and grow.

Check out our video portal here!

Our application window remains open until the position is filled, without a specific closing date.

Design Group is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other non-merit based factors.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, committed to recruiting and retaining a talented and varied workforce. We continuously strive to infuse diversity into our products, marketing, and social media, promoting inclusive representation. We actively seek to expand our network of minority-owned suppliers and freelancers, while supporting organizations aligned with our values through product donations. Internally, we promote diversity through initiatives like employee referral programs, working towards a well-rounded and inclusive workplace.