Plant Operations Manager

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Job Identification 938

Job Category: Operations (Indirect)

Locations: Traverse City

Job Schedule: Full time

Job Description

Essential 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.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree in engineering or business is preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience. Prefer automotive manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Advanced English proficiency.

Knowledge & Skills

• Manufacturing operations and continuous improvement
• IATF and quality management systems
• Financial and cost management
• Project and time management
• Leadership, coaching, and employee development
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Core Competencies

• Leadership
• Communication
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Acumen
• Relationship Management
• Project Management
• Continuous Improvement

Blue EQ Competencies

• Motivation
• Integrity
• Monitoring
• Impulse Control
• Anticipation
• Conflict Management

Authority

The Operations Manager is authorized to:

• Stop production or shipments due to quality, safety, or compliance concerns.
• Suspend unsafe work, equipment, or processes.
• Approve operational equipment purchases and facility layout changes.
• Enforce Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), quality, and company policies.

Working Conditions

• Occasional domestic and international travel.
• Manufacturing environment with moderate physical activity.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.