Director of Manufacturing

AJM Packaging Corporation

Metro-Detroit, MI

Position Overview –

AJM Packaging Corporation, one of the nation's leading manufacturers of converted paper products, including paper plates, cups, bowls and bags of various types and sizes, is currently conducting a nation-wide search for a highly skilled and accomplished individual to lead its manufacturing operations located throughout the continental United States. This position, domiciled at our flagship plant in Southgate Michigan, will report directly to the President. Efforts will be focused on key performance indicators, quality management systems and continuous improvement and will work cross functionally with Human Resources to recruit, onboard and train our future workforce. Our customers in traditional brick and mortar retail, wholesale and distribution channels, as well as fast food, food service, warehouse clubs, dollar stores, e-commerce and more, are very fussy and so are we. They want what they want, when they want it and excuses don't cut it. Orders need to be delivered complete and on time with a DPMO under 3.4. That, in short, would be your mission should you choose to accept it.

Responsibilities & Duties –

• Production planning and scheduling, productivity, quality assurance, spoilage, plant, process and mechanical engineering, maintenance and repair, equipment specification and OEM vendor sourcing and selection.
• Play an important role in and make valuable contributions to ongoing site evaluation and selection efforts and related real estate property acquisition, construction and capital improvement projects.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead the Manufacturing, Capital Projects, Engineering, Maintenance, Safety, Supply Chain, Planning, Procurement, and Customer Service functional areas in the organization, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations to meet current and future needs of the organization.
• Defines, establishes, implements, and communicates the strategic direction of the organization’s operations.
• Advance technology within the manufacturing facilities and maintain an efficient culture to stay competitive in the paper converted paper market.
• Provide effective leadership to management personnel and achieve employee growth and development.
• Presents performance reports and metrics to the President and senior leadership team.

Minimum Requirements –

• Bachelor's degree (B.A) from four-year College or University, MBA or related advanced degree is highly desired. Mechanical engineering is preferred.
• 15 + years of experience of manufacturing experience, preferably in a high volume, consumer goods manufacturing environment with an emphasis on mechanical engineering and manufacturing/machine/ tooling experience.
• Additional academic and/or job-based training, experience and/or certifications, particularly in areas such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, VSM, SMED and SPC.
• Excellent analysis and decision-making capabilities.
• Possess a heightened sense of urgency, an abundance of passion for what you do with high standards for themselves and others. Lofty personal, as well as corporate goals and objectives and the appropriate measure of commitment, dedication and skill to achieve the desired results.
• Prior P& L and budget management experience.
• Working knowledge of all manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations, as well as building/plant maintenance.
• Creative, resourceful and flexible in responding to ever changing company and/or customer driven initiatives.
• “Hands on", hardworking, self-starting and motivated, demanding, exacting, decisive and detail oriented.
• Ability to travel up to 40%.
• Ability to speak and comprehend Spanish would be beneficial.

Benefits -

At AJM, our comprehensive “Cafeteria Benefits Plan” and “Flexible Spending Arrangement” (FSA), truly set us apart from the competition. Under the cafeteria plan you’ll receive a comprehensive package of company paid medical, dental, optical, life and disability insurance coverage.

Summary of Benefits –

• Medical Insurance (BCBS)
• Dental Insurance
• Optical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Cafeteria Benefits Plan
• Flexible Spending Agreement
• Health Savings Account
• Child & Dependent Care Savings Account
• 401 K Retirement Plan (with Safe Harbor Company Match)
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance/Wellness Program
• Paid Vacations
• Paid Holiday
• Paid Sick & Personal Time
• Professional Development Program (AJM University)

About Us -

AJM was originally founded as a distributor of commercial paper, plastic and foil packaging products and related cleaning, janitorial and order processing supplies and equipment by three (3) Detroit area brothers operating out of a small warehouse in Detroit’s Eastern Market. In 1957 they built and moved into slightly larger quarters on Detroit’s southwest side, where, for the very first time, they began manufacturing their own products. Over the ensuing decades, AJM gradually evolved from its broadline distributor beginnings into a major paper products manufacturer, today employing nearly 3, 000 people and operating eight (8) manufacturing and five (5) warehouse/distribution facilities strategically located throughout the United States.

Some things have undoubtedly changed since AJM was founded, but the company’s commitment to its customers and employees, alike, has not wavered and is deeply embedded in its DNA. So, too, is the founding brothers’ entrepreneurial spirit, “can do” attitude and singular focus on the value proposition that has fueled the company’s success from the very beginning. We’re still family owned and operated, still manufacturing our products in the good old USA and still providing our customers with the same reliable service and quality products they’ve come to expect from AJM for more than 75 years now.

Career Development -

At AJM, we realize we will only go as far as our employees can take us and, for that reason, we invest millions of dollars every year on both classroom and on-the-job training to develop our employees’ skills and promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement. There are no barriers to impede your progress here and no ceilings to halt your advance. You’ll control your own destiny, and we will help you reach your full potential with both in-house development programs and tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate level college studies. Join our team and see where your AJM journey takes you!

For More Information -

Visit our website at www.ajmpack.com

AJM Packaging Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or other legally protected status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.