Production Manager, General Assembly , Seats Production

Slate Auto•Warsaw, IN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them. | WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: The Production Manager of General Assembly of Seats Production is responsible for overseeing all aspects of assembly operations within the automotive manufacturing plant. This role ensures efficient production processes, adherence to quality standards, ensuring safety of product and safety of workplace, and continuous improvement in quality, safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. The manager will lead a team of Group Leaders (supervisors), Team Leaders, and Team Members to meet daily production targets while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. | WHAT YOU GET TO DO: Operational Leadership Manage daily operations aspects, ensuring timely and quality production of automotive Trim Line. Monitor production schedules and adjust resources to meet production demand and delivery timelines. Collaborate with production planning, logistics, and engineering teams to optimize workflow and resolve bottlenecks. Safety & Compliance Enforce safety standards, OSHA regulations, and environmental compliance. Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments. Promote a safety-first culture across the trim line team. Team Management Lead, coach, & develop production Group Leaders, Team Leaders, & Team Members. Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and manage staffing levels. Promote a positive work environment focused on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement. Quality & Compliance Ensure compliance with company quality standards and customer specifications. Work closely with Quality Assurance to address non-conformances and implement corrective actions. Maintain adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards. Continuous Improvement Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and implement 5S, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies. Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement. Lead cost reduction efforts through waste elimination and process optimization. Reporting & Metrics Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including OEE, scrap rate, downtime, and labor efficiency. Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production reports for senior management. | WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM: Education Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field. or 8 years with Master's degree, or 5 years with PhD or equivalent experience Experience 12+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably Automotive OEM experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role. Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems. Automotive OEM experience preferred. Experience with Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing. Skills Proven leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams. Strong knowledge of trim line processes and automotive interior components. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production planning software Working Conditions Manufacturing plant environment Exposure to moving machinery and industrial noise May require shift work (days, nights, weekends) WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE? At Slate, we’re fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles. Safety First Delight Customers One Team Relentless Improvement Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE. Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected]. About Us At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field. or 8 years with Master's degree, or 5 years with PhD or equivalent experience
12+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably Automotive OEM experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems.
Experience with Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing.
Proven leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.
Strong knowledge of trim line processes and automotive interior components.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production planning software

Nice To Haves

Automotive OEM experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations aspects, ensuring timely and quality production of automotive Trim Line.
Monitor production schedules and adjust resources to meet production demand and delivery timelines.
Collaborate with production planning, logistics, and engineering teams to optimize workflow and resolve bottlenecks.
Enforce safety standards, OSHA regulations, and environmental compliance.
Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments.
Promote a safety-first culture across the trim line team.
Lead, coach, & develop production Group Leaders, Team Leaders, & Team Members.
Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and manage staffing levels.
Promote a positive work environment focused on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with company quality standards and customer specifications.
Work closely with Quality Assurance to address non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
Maintain adherence to safety regulations and environmental standards.
Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and implement 5S, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies.
Analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Lead cost reduction efforts through waste elimination and process optimization.
Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including OEE, scrap rate, downtime, and labor efficiency.
Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production reports for senior management.