Center Manager

Detroit Manufacturing Systems•Detroit, MI

18d

About The Position

The Production Manager is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for leading day-to-day manufacturing operations and fostering a culture of safety, quality, continuous improvement, and Team Member engagement. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure customer requirements are met while driving performance, accountability, and operational excellence across the facility. The Production Manager develops and supports Team Members, builds strong customer relationships, and leads initiatives to improve productivity, efficiency, and overall business results. The position requires demonstrated leadership in an automotive manufacturing, assembly, sequencing, logistics, or distribution environment, including at least five years of progressive production leadership experience. A bachelor's degree in a related field is required, though an equivalent combination of education and leadership experience may be considered. Limited travel may be required based on business needs.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership experience in an automotive manufacturing, assembly, sequencing, logistics, or distribution environment.
At least five years of progressive leadership experience in a production environment.
Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, including Kanban, 5S, TPM, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, customer-focused manufacturing operation.
Strong interpersonal, communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
Experience managing performance, developing talent, and building high-performing teams.
Proven track record of maintaining safety, quality, and operational standards.
Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Ability to analyze data and make sound operational decisions based on business needs.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and leadership experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a sequencing, JIT/JIS, or automotive supplier operation.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement initiatives.
Customer-facing experience within an OEM or Tier 1 automotive environment.
Multi-site leadership or start-up operation experience.
Experience with labor planning, workforce development, and succession planning.

Responsibilities

Contribute to strategic and operational decision-making as a member of the plant leadership team.
Lead, coach, develop, and hold accountable direct reports and plant Team Members.
Foster Voltava’s people-first culture and promote employee engagement and development.
Drive operational excellence through implementation and adherence to business systems, standards, and best practices.
Manage facility performance against safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
Develop collaborative and productive relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to identify and eliminate operational waste.
Ensure effective onboarding, training, and development of new Team Members.
Establish and maintain communication processes that effectively share critical information throughout the organization.
Champion Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) initiatives and ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
Promote safe working conditions and drive ergonomic and workplace improvements.
Identify, manage, and mitigate operational and business risks.
Support staffing, workforce planning, succession planning, and employee development.
Monitor key performance indicators and implement corrective actions to achieve operational goals.