Area Manager/ Department Manager

Clarios • Fort Wayne, IN

21d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Area Manager/Department Manager for our Fort Wayne, Indiana Distribution Center, you will lead a production area within our high‑volume operation, reporting directly to the Plant Manager. You will drive department performance by elevating safety, quality, employee engagement, and operational excellence while ensuring alignment with plant goals. How you will do it Lead and develop Manufacturing Supervisor(s) to achieve production, quality, cost, and volume targets. Promote strong employee engagement and support positive labor/employee relations; handle requisitions, promotions, performance, and corrective actions. Maximize productivity across equipment, people, and processes while ensuring efficient use of assets. Set department goals and manage performance reviews; maintain high accountability and ownership of results. Coordinate production activities across departments and support daily/weekly scheduling to meet customer requirements. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and 5S standards; conduct internal audits. Recommend process and equipment improvements; oversee installation and validation of new equipment or systems. Drive TPM and Basic Attention to Equipment (BAE) initiatives to ensure reliability and uptime. Maintain security of products, materials, and equipment in the area. Lead with passion and accountability — “own the department” by consistently elevating performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Operations, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• 3+ years of experience leading people (supervisors or hourly teams).
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality, and operational best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a union environment.
• Background in lead‑acid battery manufacturing or distribution.
• TPM/Lean/Continuous Improvement experience.
• Proven success leading in a high‑volume, KPI‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Manufacturing Supervisor(s) to achieve production, quality, cost, and volume targets.
• Promote strong employee engagement and support positive labor/employee relations; handle requisitions, promotions, performance, and corrective actions.
• Maximize productivity across equipment, people, and processes while ensuring efficient use of assets.
• Set department goals and manage performance reviews; maintain high accountability and ownership of results.
• Coordinate production activities across departments and support daily/weekly scheduling to meet customer requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and 5S standards; conduct internal audits.
• Recommend process and equipment improvements; oversee installation and validation of new equipment or systems.
• Drive TPM and Basic Attention to Equipment (BAE) initiatives to ensure reliability and uptime.
• Maintain security of products, materials, and equipment in the area.
• Lead with passion and accountability — “own the department” by consistently elevating performance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire
• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts
• Parental and caregiver leave programs
• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits
• Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership
• HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility
• Clarios has been recognized as one of 2025's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the third consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees