Plant Operations Manager

Motherson•Traverse City, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Operations Manager will lead daily manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, and quality. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence by improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance. The manager will develop and execute short- and long-term operational plans aligned with business objectives, ensure preventive maintenance programs maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime, and lead continuous improvement initiatives such as scrap reduction, downtime analysis, and process optimization. Compliance with IATF, customer, environmental, health, safety, and company standards is crucial. The role involves monitoring plant performance to achieve budget, productivity, and EBITDA goals, as well as leading and developing employees through coaching, performance management, and succession planning. Support for new product launches and aftermarket business opportunities, along with participation in audits and ensuring corrective actions, are also key aspects of this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of manufacturing experience.
5+ years of leadership experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
Advanced English proficiency.
Manufacturing operations and continuous improvement knowledge.
Knowledge of IATF and quality management systems.
Financial and cost management skills.
Project and time management skills.
Leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Microsoft Office proficiency.
Strong communication and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering or business is preferred.
Prefer automotive manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Lead daily manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, and quality.
Drive operational excellence by improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance.
Develop and execute short- and long-term operational plans aligned with business objectives.
Ensure preventive maintenance programs maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including scrap reduction, downtime analysis, and process optimization.
Ensure compliance with IATF, customer, environmental, health, safety, and company standards.
Monitor plant performance and achieve budget, productivity, and EBITDA goals.
Lead and develop employees through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
Support new product launches and aftermarket business opportunities.
Participate in internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.