Plant Manager

Overland AI•Seattle, WA

27d•$120,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and results-driven Plant Manager to oversee the daily operations of our state-of-the-art unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) manufacturing facility. This role is critical to ensuring the production of high-quality, reliable autonomous vehicles while maintaining a focus on efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager will oversee all plant operations, drive operational excellence, and ensure the facility operates at the highest levels of productivity, safety, and quality. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this position requires a strong leader who can foster a collaborative work environment, streamline processes, and solve complex challenges in a fast-paced, high-tech manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role, preferably within an advanced manufacturing or automotive environment.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, lean methodologies, and quality assurance practices.
Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of employees, including supervisors, engineers, and production staff.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations and implement effective solutions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and engage with senior leadership.
In-depth understanding of safety standards, regulatory compliance, and environmental protocols in a manufacturing environment.
Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data analysis tools, ERP systems, and production management software.
Strong leadership presence and ability to build trust with team members and senior leadership.
A results-driven mindset, with a focus on achieving operational goals and delivering high-quality outcomes.
A commitment to continuous improvement and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, autonomous vehicle manufacturing, robotics, or off-road vehicle production is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all aspects of day-to-day plant operations to meet production goals, quality standards, and safety regulations.
Develop and implement production plans, including scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization to ensure efficient manufacturing of UGVs.
Monitor plant performance metrics (KPIs), identifying areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
Establish and maintain production targets, focusing on maximizing productivity while minimizing downtime and waste.
Directly supervise a team of supervisors, engineers, and production staff, ensuring they are well-trained, motivated, and capable of meeting operational objectives.
Foster a positive and productive work environment, leading by example and promoting a culture of accountability, teamwork, and respect.
Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide coaching, and identify opportunities for employee development and career growth.
Ensure proper staffing levels and work schedules to support production targets, while maintaining a strong focus on employee retention and engagement.
Champion a culture of safety and ensure the facility adheres to all safety regulations, OSHA standards, and internal safety protocols.
Proactively identify and address potential safety hazards, conducting regular safety audits and training to prevent accidents and injuries.
Ensure compliance with all environmental and regulatory requirements, working with the COO to address any necessary changes or improvements in these areas.
Oversee the implementation and enforcement of quality control standards, ensuring that all products meet the company’s stringent quality and performance expectations.
Work closely with the quality team to address any product defects or production issues that may arise, ensuring corrective actions are taken in a timely and effective manner.
Drive continuous improvement in production processes to maintain the highest standards of product quality and customer satisfaction.
Manage the plant’s budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and alignment with financial targets.
Collaborate with the COO to forecast resource needs, manage inventory, and control costs related to labor, materials, and equipment.
Work closely with the engineering team to ensure equipment is properly maintained, and downtime is minimized.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by utilizing lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to enhance plant efficiency and reduce operational waste.
Stay up-to-date with the latest manufacturing technologies, industry trends, and best practices to identify opportunities for innovation and process optimization.
Lead projects focused on upgrading plant capabilities, introducing new technologies, and scaling production as the company grows.
Collaborate with the product development, engineering, and supply chain teams to ensure production requirements are met and any challenges are resolved effectively.
Partner with the HR team to maintain a skilled, diverse workforce, manage labor relations, and address any personnel issues that may arise.
Communicate effectively with senior leadership, providing regular updates on plant performance, challenges, and opportunities.