Manufacturing Unit Manager

Novelis Guthrie Manufacturing Facility•Guthrie, KY

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Novelis is one of the world leaders in aluminum recycling and rolling and a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider. Driven by our purpose of shaping a sustainable world together, we work alongside our customers to provide innovative solutions to the aerospace, automotive, beverage packaging and specialty markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis has approximately 13,000 employees in 32 operating facilities on 4 continents. Novelis - Guthrie, KY is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Unit Manager (MUM) for the Guthrie Recycle Center. The Manufacturing Unit Manager is responsible for leading the operational and technical performance of a complex 24/7 recycling operation. This role provides leadership and direction in safety, environmental stewardship, quality, production, cost, reliability, customer service, workforce development, and continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Manufacturing Unit Manager serves as a key member of the plant leadership team and partners across production, maintenance, engineering, quality, EHS, supply chain, finance, and human resources to achieve plant and business objectives. The role drives execution of production plans, development of frontline leaders and team members, equipment and process performance, operational excellence, workforce capability, and support for capital projects, facility growth, startup and commissioning activities, and business transformation initiatives. The successful candidate will be a visible and approachable leader who models the Novelis Cultural Beliefs and fosters a workplace built on safety, accountability, teamwork, inclusion, respect, open communication, and continuous improvement.

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

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.