Assistant Plant Manager Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Assistant Plant Manager roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related field. Employers in manufacturing and food processing regularly file Labor Condition Applications for this title, making it a realistic target for international candidates with relevant credentials.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Valmont Industries is seeking a proven manufacturing leader to join our Brenham leadership team as the Assistant Plant Manager – Lighting & Transportation (L&T). This role is responsible for leading a critical business segment, developing high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering results that support the success of one of Valmont's largest manufacturing facilities. The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day manufacturing operations of the Lighting & Transportation business at the Brenham facility, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and overall operational performance. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Planning, Supply Chain, and Human Resources to achieve business objectives while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee development. Reporting directly to the Senior Plant Manager with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Operations – L&T, this position plays a key leadership role in executing strategic priorities, improving manufacturing performance, and ensuring customer commitments are met.
COMPENSATION & INCENTIVE OPPORTUNITY
Salary Range (Labor Grade 42): $122,900 - $153,600 - $192,000
STIP Eligibility: 15% Annual Discretionary Bonus
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead daily manufacturing operations for the Lighting & Transportation business.
- Develop and coach Production Supervisors, Production Managers, and other operational leaders.
- Foster a culture where safety is the highest priority and ensure compliance with company policies, environmental requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Drive accountability through visual management, standard work, and daily management systems.
- Lead production meetings and operating reviews focused on throughput, schedule attainment, and customer delivery commitments.
- Improve labor productivity, manufacturing efficiency, capacity utilization, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Partner with Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to improve equipment reliability, reduce defects, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Execute production schedules and recovery plans to improve on-time delivery and reduce past-due orders.
- Assist with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste elimination, process standardization, material flow, and operational efficiency.
- Monitor and drive performance improvements in:
- Safety
- Quality
- On-Time Delivery
- Throughput
- Labor Productivity and Efficiency
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Schedule Attainment
- Inventory Accuracy
- Manufacturing Cost Performance
- Lead workforce planning, succession planning, employee development, and performance management initiatives.
- Support operating plans, budget management, productivity improvements, capital planning, and profitability objectives.
- Collaborate with facility leadership to effectively manage shared resources and site priorities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, Associate Degree with 9+ years of relevant experience, or 11+ years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience.
- Seven (7) or more years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success leading production operations in a large manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing supervisors, managers, and hourly production teams.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
- Experience working within ERP/MRP manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of production scheduling, workforce planning, capacity management, and operational metrics.
- Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
- Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MBA or other advanced business degree.
- Ten (10) or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
- Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, or Plant Manager.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or similar Operational Excellence certification.
- Experience leading multi-shift manufacturing operations.
- Experience leading operational transformations, plant turnarounds, capacity expansions, or large-scale continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget management, labor planning, and capital expenditures.
- Experience implementing Daily Management Systems, Tiered Accountability Processes, and Lean Production Systems.
- Proven success developing high-performing teams and leading organizational change.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficiency with:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- IFS
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS
Work is typically performed in a manufacturing plant environment and the incumbent needs to be able to move about the office, shipping area and all areas of the plant which are producing product line for the company. There is a relatively constant exposure to somewhat disagreeable work conditions such as dust, dirt, heat, fumes, and cold as well as noise levels above 80 decibels. Work conditions vary throughout the week depending on the area of the plant assigned to work in. There will be visits to both indoor and outdoor locations during all seasons of the year. Many of the tasks are physical and the incumbent has to be able to lift up to 50 lbs. although the most frequent amount of weight lifted is 20 lbs. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, feel, as well as balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
BENEFITS
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
- Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employer paid life insurance
- Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
- Work Life Support
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
- Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
INTRODUCTION
We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Valmont Industries is seeking a proven manufacturing leader to join our Brenham leadership team as the Assistant Plant Manager – Lighting & Transportation (L&T). This role is responsible for leading a critical business segment, developing high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering results that support the success of one of Valmont's largest manufacturing facilities. The Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for the day-to-day manufacturing operations of the Lighting & Transportation business at the Brenham facility, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and overall operational performance. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Planning, Supply Chain, and Human Resources to achieve business objectives while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee development. Reporting directly to the Senior Plant Manager with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Operations – L&T, this position plays a key leadership role in executing strategic priorities, improving manufacturing performance, and ensuring customer commitments are met.
COMPENSATION & INCENTIVE OPPORTUNITY
Salary Range (Labor Grade 42): $122,900 - $153,600 - $192,000
STIP Eligibility: 15% Annual Discretionary Bonus
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead daily manufacturing operations for the Lighting & Transportation business.
- Develop and coach Production Supervisors, Production Managers, and other operational leaders.
- Foster a culture where safety is the highest priority and ensure compliance with company policies, environmental requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Drive accountability through visual management, standard work, and daily management systems.
- Lead production meetings and operating reviews focused on throughput, schedule attainment, and customer delivery commitments.
- Improve labor productivity, manufacturing efficiency, capacity utilization, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Partner with Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to improve equipment reliability, reduce defects, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Execute production schedules and recovery plans to improve on-time delivery and reduce past-due orders.
- Assist with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste elimination, process standardization, material flow, and operational efficiency.
- Monitor and drive performance improvements in:
- Safety
- Quality
- On-Time Delivery
- Throughput
- Labor Productivity and Efficiency
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Schedule Attainment
- Inventory Accuracy
- Manufacturing Cost Performance
- Lead workforce planning, succession planning, employee development, and performance management initiatives.
- Support operating plans, budget management, productivity improvements, capital planning, and profitability objectives.
- Collaborate with facility leadership to effectively manage shared resources and site priorities.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, Associate Degree with 9+ years of relevant experience, or 11+ years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience.
- Seven (7) or more years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success leading production operations in a large manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing supervisors, managers, and hourly production teams.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
- Experience working within ERP/MRP manufacturing environments.
- Strong understanding of production scheduling, workforce planning, capacity management, and operational metrics.
- Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
- Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MBA or other advanced business degree.
- Ten (10) or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
- Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, or Plant Manager.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or similar Operational Excellence certification.
- Experience leading multi-shift manufacturing operations.
- Experience leading operational transformations, plant turnarounds, capacity expansions, or large-scale continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong financial acumen, including budget management, labor planning, and capital expenditures.
- Experience implementing Daily Management Systems, Tiered Accountability Processes, and Lean Production Systems.
- Proven success developing high-performing teams and leading organizational change.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficiency with:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- IFS
WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS
Work is typically performed in a manufacturing plant environment and the incumbent needs to be able to move about the office, shipping area and all areas of the plant which are producing product line for the company. There is a relatively constant exposure to somewhat disagreeable work conditions such as dust, dirt, heat, fumes, and cold as well as noise levels above 80 decibels. Work conditions vary throughout the week depending on the area of the plant assigned to work in. There will be visits to both indoor and outdoor locations during all seasons of the year. Many of the tasks are physical and the incumbent has to be able to lift up to 50 lbs. although the most frequent amount of weight lifted is 20 lbs. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The incumbent is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, feel, as well as balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
BENEFITS
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
- Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employer paid life insurance
- Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
- Work Life Support
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
- Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
See all Assistant Plant Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Assistant Plant Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Assistant Plant Manager
Match your degree to the role
H-1B sponsorship requires a specialty occupation, meaning your degree field must directly relate to plant management duties. An industrial engineering or operations management degree is a stronger match than a general business degree, so frame your credentials accordingly on your resume.
Target manufacturers with LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to find employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for Assistant Plant Manager or similar production management titles. Prior LCA filings signal an established HR and legal process, reducing the risk that a promising offer stalls over sponsorship logistics.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your location and job level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your metro area before you receive an offer so you can negotiate from an informed position and flag any employer who offers below that threshold.
Prepare a duty-specific job description early
USCIS scrutinizes whether an Assistant Plant Manager role genuinely requires a degree. Work with your employer to draft a detailed job description covering technical duties like process optimization, safety compliance, and production scheduling rather than generic supervisory language that could invite a Request for Evidence.
Clarify PERM timing if you need a green card
If you're on H-1B and planning for permanent residence, ask prospective employers early whether they sponsor PERM labor certification for this role. Food and beverage manufacturers sometimes treat plant manager titles as general labor positions, which complicates EB-2 or EB-3 eligibility.
Use O*NET to document specialty occupation
O*NET lists the knowledge requirements and typical education level for production and operations manager occupations. Print or reference this data when discussing sponsorship with HR, as it supports the specialty occupation argument USCIS requires for a valid H-1B petition for your role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Assistant Plant Manager role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on how the employer defines the position. If the role requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial technology, or operations management and involves technical oversight like process improvement or regulatory compliance, it qualifies as a specialty occupation. Roles framed primarily as general supervisory positions without a degree requirement are harder to sponsor under H-1B and may draw USCIS scrutiny.
Which industries most commonly sponsor Assistant Plant Managers?
Food and beverage processing, automotive parts manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical production are the industries where Assistant Plant Manager sponsorship appears most frequently in DOL disclosure data. These sectors operate large facilities with complex regulatory requirements, making a degreed candidate easier to justify as a specialty occupation hire. Browse verified sponsors on Migrate Mate to narrow your search by industry and location.
Can an employer sponsor an Assistant Plant Manager for a green card?
Yes, through the EB-3 skilled worker or EB-2 categories, depending on the degree and experience requirements in the certified PERM job description. The employer must complete PERM labor certification with DOL first, proving no qualified U.S. worker was available. Manufacturing employers with established immigration programs typically handle this, but you should ask about PERM sponsorship directly before accepting any offer.
What happens to my H-1B status if I'm promoted to Plant Manager?
A material change in job duties, title, or work location requires your employer to file an amended H-1B petition with USCIS before the change takes effect. A promotion to Plant Manager with significantly different responsibilities qualifies as a material change. Failing to file an amendment can jeopardize your status even though you're still working for the same company.
How do I know if an Assistant Plant Manager job listing is realistically open to visa sponsorship?
Many listings omit sponsorship details entirely. Employers who have previously filed LCAs for production management titles are far more likely to sponsor again, since they already have the HR infrastructure and legal relationships in place. Check employer sponsorship history before applying so you're not investing time in opportunities where sponsorship will be declined at the offer stage.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Assistant Plant Manager jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.