Assembly Operations Manager – HDEP & MDEG

Daimler Truck•Detroit, MI

2d•$128,000 - $164,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assembly Operations Manager – HDEP & MDEG (First Shift) is accountable for the end to end performance of the primary production shift across Heavy Duty Engine Platform (HDEP) and Medium Duty Engine Group (MDEG) assembly operations. This role owns safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale (SQDCM) outcomes for a large, complex, multi platform value stream, setting the operational standard for the department. As the senior operational leader on first shift, this position provides direct leadership across HDEP and MDEG assembly operations, ensuring disciplined execution of production plans, strong cross functional alignment, and sustained development of leaders and teams. The role establishes daily operating rhythm, drives issue resolution, and ensures performance continuity across all shifts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience
Strong working knowledge of diesel engine assembly operations, including HDEP and/or MDEG platforms.
Proven experience leading mixed salaried and UAW‑represented teams.
Demonstrated application of TOS principles, Lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data‑driven problem solving.
Experience managing production budgets, cost initiatives, and operational metrics.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
Solid understanding of plant operations, equipment, safety systems, and labor relations.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
Experience leading multi‑platform or mixed‑engine value streams (HDEP, MDEG, or similar).
Demonstrated success leading large first‑shift operations in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Own first‑shift production performance across HDEP and MDEG assembly, operations, ensuring consistent attainment of SQDCM targets.
Lead execution of daily production plans for both platforms, maintaining stable product flow while rapidly identifying and resolving safety, quality, delivery, cost, or manpower constraints.
Serve as the primary escalation point for first‑shift operational issues impacting HDEP and MDEG value streams.
Establish and sustain standard work, tiered accountability, and visual management aligned to TOS Fundamentals across both platforms.
Ensure effective shift‑to‑shift handoffs, setting standards and expectations that drive consistent performance across all shifts.
Establish, execute, and continuously improve safety policies, procedures, and behaviors across HDEP and MDEG operations.
Ensure a safe working environment for employees, contractors, equipment, and facilities.
Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions, ensuring lessons learned are embedded into standard work.
Champion proactive safety engagement and accountability at all levels of the organization.
Demonstrate full accountability for product quality as built, tested, and delivered across both HDEP and MDEG platforms.
Lead containment, root cause, and countermeasure implementation for internal and customer quality issues.
Partner with Quality and Engineering to drive defect prevention, process capability, and adherence to platform‑specific standards.
Maintain a strong customer focus with awareness of global product and compliance expectations for HDEP and MDEG.
Directly lead and develop supervisors, team leaders, and salaried staff supporting HDEP and MDEG first‑shift operations.
Build leadership capability through coaching, feedback, and structured development aligned to DTNA leadership expectations.
Plan, assign, and review work; address employee concerns; and manage grievances in alignment with labor agreements and company policies.
Make final decisions related to hiring, promotions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and reclassifications.
Achieve and sustain production efficiency, labor productivity, and cost targets across both platforms.
Identify, prioritize, and execute cost improvement and operational excellence initiatives using Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for assigned areas; monitor performance and adjust to meet financial objectives.
Make timely, responsible decisions regarding product disposition and cost‑effective repair strategies.
Assess and adjust manpower requirements based on production demand, skill mix, and absenteeism across HDEP and MDEG operations.
Ensure effective utilization of labor, equipment, and materials to support stable multi‑platform production.
Coordinate closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to address constraints and improve overall equipment effectiveness.

Benefits

annual bonus program
401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age
starting at 4 weeks paid vacation
13+ calendar holidays
8 weeks paid parental leave
employee assistance program
comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs
onsite fitness (at some locations)
tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off
short-term and long-term disability plans