Director, Plant Operations

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make "good things, for life." As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we're powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there's always a better way. We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.

The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together , we always look for a better way , and we create possibilities .

Interested in joining us on our journey?

Reports up through Executive Director (Plant Manager)

The Director, Plant Operations is a key member of the plant leadership team, responsible for the performance, strategy, and execution of all support manufacturing operations-including thermoforming, injection molding, copper tubing, fabrication, and related processes.

In this highly visible role, you will lead multi-shift operations, develop high-performing teams, and partner closely with Plant Leadership to ensure production goals are met safely, efficiently, and with world-class quality. This role blends operational excellence, people leadership, and continuous improvement to drive results across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and engagement.

Position

Director, Plant Operations

Location

USA, Decatur, AL

How You'll Create Possibilities

Operational Management (35%)

• Lead and oversee multi-shift Support Operations through senior managers, with indirect responsibility for team leaders, process technicians, and hourly operators.

• Translate plant strategy into clear, measurable objectives for each functional area and leader.

• Establish and maintain rigorous daily production management, including hour-by-hour performance tracking, scrap reduction, and quality metrics.

• Partner with the Plant Manager and leadership staff to align operations with plant-level goals.

• Ensure appropriate salaried staffing levels and regularly review headcount and capability needs.

• Drive consistent communication across shifts, functional areas, and leadership teams.

• Maintain strong technical knowledge of operations and lead escalation, root cause analysis, and corrective action for operational abnormalities.

• Champion Lean manufacturing principles and ensure adherence to the Appliance Production System, standardized work, and escalation processes.

• Lead daily production and escalation meetings; communicate key issues, risks, and performance metrics.

• Ensure process stability through standardized work, 5S discipline, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Talent Development (35%)

• Build, lead, and develop an energized, accountable Support Operations leadership team.

• Set expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and drive performance management for salaried leaders.

• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and retain critical manufacturing talent.

• Support training, upskilling, cross-training, and succession planning initiatives.

• Champion mentoring and career development across manufacturing disciplines, including thermoforming, process improvement, and appliance manufacturing.

Safety & Compliance (20%)

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and environmental standards.

• Drive a strong safety culture through consistent adherence to LOTO, PPE, and safe work practices.

• Lead proactive safety initiatives and ensure accountability at all organizational levels.

Quality Excellence (10%)

• Develop and enforce quality standards to ensure all manufactured components meet specifications.

• Drive timely resolution of quality issues through corrective and preventive actions.

• Partner cross-functionally to continuously improve quality performance.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or technical related, or management.

• Minimum of 10 years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles.

• Strong manufacturing operational background and understanding.

• Relevant experience leading multiple shifts within a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow and maintain skilled teams.

• Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles.

• Strong communication skills - will be expected to communicate to all levels of the organization (from the plant floor up to executive staff members).

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive decisions based on the overall goals of the company.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced thermoforming technologies, plastics manufacturing and extrusion systems.

• Strong understanding of employee relations and maintaining a positive employee relations environment.

• Experience implementing and/or operating under Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system.

Working Conditions:

• The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.

• Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hardhats.

• Work will require some weekend and/or evening work.

Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.

This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.

By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.

GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

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