Manufacturing Unit Manager

Novelis • Guthrie, KY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Novelis is a global leader in aluminum recycling and rolling, providing sustainable aluminum solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, beverage packaging, and specialty markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis operates 32 facilities across 4 continents with approximately 13,000 employees. The Guthrie, KY Recycle Center is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Unit Manager (MUM) to lead its 24/7 recycling operations. This role is crucial for operational and technical performance, focusing on safety, environmental stewardship, quality, production, cost, reliability, customer service, workforce development, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Plant Manager, the MUM is a key member of the plant leadership team, collaborating with various departments to achieve business objectives. The role involves driving production plans, developing leaders and team members, enhancing equipment and process performance, promoting operational excellence, and supporting capital projects and business transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will embody Novelis' Cultural Beliefs, fostering a safe, accountable, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing leadership experience
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Demonstrated success leading teams within a complex 24/7 operational environment
• Experience driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating across multiple business functions
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, performance management systems, budgeting, workforce planning, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, establish priorities, and make sound business decisions
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including regular presence in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred
• Experience in aluminum manufacturing, recycling, remelt, casting, metals processing, or another heavy industrial manufacturing environment preferred
• Experience leading both hourly and salaried employee populations preferred
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or similar continuous improvement systems preferred
• Experience supporting capital project execution, facility expansions, major equipment installations, or startup and commissioning activities preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, production, cost, reliability, and customer service objectives.
• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership, proactive risk identification, hazard mitigation, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Partner with Environmental, Health, and Safety teams to support compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits, company standards, and sustainability commitments.
• Serve as a visible and approachable leader who actively engages employees throughout the operation.
• Model and promote the Novelis Cultural Beliefs and leadership expectations.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives, including 5S, standard work, visual management, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement.
• Develop frontline leaders and team members through mentoring, performance management, and professional development.
• Support succession planning and talent development to strengthen organizational capability and leadership readiness.
• Foster a workplace culture built on accountability, teamwork, inclusion, respect, and open communication.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, EHS, supply chain, finance, and human resources teams to achieve business objectives.
• Drive execution of production plans while balancing operational efficiency, quality standards, asset capability, and customer requirements.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators, including safety, quality, throughput, yield, recovery, productivity, reliability, cost, and delivery performance.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability, asset utilization, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead structured problem-solving activities and support implementation of corrective and preventive actions to improve operational performance and prevent recurrence.
• Manage departmental spending and resources in alignment with approved budgets and business objectives.
• Support workforce planning to maintain appropriate staffing, skills, and organizational capability for current and future business needs.
• Evaluate and support capital projects, technology implementation, equipment upgrades, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Use data analysis and performance metrics to establish priorities, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee contractor activities within assigned areas and promote adherence to applicable safety, environmental, and operational requirements.
• Support facility growth, expansion projects, startup and commissioning activities, and business transformation initiatives as required.
• Build and develop high-performing teams through clear expectations, coaching, consistent follow-through, and accountability.
• Promote collaboration across functions and organizational levels to achieve plant and business objectives.
• Demonstrate integrity, transparency, and sound judgment in decision-making.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position as assigned.

Benefits

• Family Growth Programs: Paid parental Leave, Adoption Assistance, Fertility Treatment, Childcare Discount and Nursing Mom Support
• Employee Assistance Programs: free resources available 24/7 to you and your family in the areas of mental health, family life, and career and financial guidance
• Wellness Programs: incentives for wellness activities, wellness spending account, programs for building healthy habits, virtual physical therapy for joint, back, and pelvic health, health management programs and more.
• Diabetes Management Program
• Pet insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• PerkSpot Discount Program
• Tuition assistance and career development programs!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager