Assistant Plant Manager

Salary: $64,000-$84,000

About BISM:

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) creates opportunities and independence for blind individuals of all ages through innovative rehabilitation programs, diverse career opportunities, quality blind-made products, and a variety of resources. Each year, BISM provides programs and services to more than 2,000 blind individuals and employs approximately 475 Associates across 12 facilities in Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, and North Carolina, where we manufacture high-quality products

Position Summary:

The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for supporting the Production department by assisting with the oversight of daily manufacturing operations to ensure productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency. This role supports the Plant Manager in supervising staff, coordinating workflows, managing inventory and equipment, monitoring operational performance, and implementing process improvements. The Assistant Plant Manager also helps ensure compliance with company policies and safety standards while providing leadership and operational support in the absence of the Plant Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Plant Manager in implementing operational strategies and achieving business goals.

• Oversee daily workflows and ensure smooth and efficient operations.

• Supervise and coordinate with team members to meet productivity and quality targets.

• Assist in managing staffing, scheduling, and training of employees.

• Monitor inventory levels, supplies, and equipment, and coordinate replenishment.

• Help analyze operational performance metrics and prepare reports.

• Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and applicable regulations.

• Address customer concerns, internal issues, and escalated problems professionally.

• Provide input on process improvements and cost-control initiatives.

• Step in to lead operations in the absence of the Plant Manager.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• At least four years of experience in operations or a supervisory role, with demonstrated ability to lead and oversee large-scale operations.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage others.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Working knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office, and operations management tools or software, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.

• Experience in manufacturing (sewing).

• Knowledge of inventory systems or ERP software.

• Strong working knowledge of, or experience leading operations within, an ISO-certified environment.

• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and meeting productivity goals.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Experience coaching employees and managing performance.

• Ability to analyze operational data and prepare reports.

• Knowledge of workplace safety requirements.

• Experience in a sewing manufacturing environment is preferred.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Blind Industries and Services of Maryland (BISM) is a 501©(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing career and training resources to blind and visually impaired people across multiple locations in the United States. BISM is recognized for our adult, youth, and senior training programs. Our belief in the capabilities of blind people is the foundation for residential skills training, innovative work readiness, home management and college-prep classes. As one of the largest employers of blind people, BISM’s manufacturing operations offer competitive employment opportunities for blind people while exceeding the expectations of our customers. Blind Associates play a crucial role by breaking down employment barriers in all divisions of our organization, including Human Resources, IT, and accounting. The Federal Government is BISM’s largest customer, and we support all branches of the US Military by manufacturing a variety of uniforms. BISM manufactures a large variety of products for the state of Maryland and the commercial market. Our largest contributions are a full line of janitorial products, a variety of office supply paper products, lock sets, and custom labeled bottled water. We further support the US Military by operating 9 Base Supply Centers (BSCs). Throughout all our BISM locations, we work to positively change people’s attitudes about blindness.