Material Execution Plant Lead

Description

Lean Material Strategies Execution Lead

Location: Fort Wayne Assembly Plant (GA shop) 

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

As the Lean Material Strategies Execution Lead, you will own enterprise-wide execution of GM’s lean material strategy across GMNA assembly plants. This role is accountable for translating program intent into world-class material flow, scalable automation, and launch-ready execution from Contract Sign-Off (CSO) through Start of Regular Production (SORP).

You will shape how material moves through the plant, how automation is deployed, and how lineside delivery is standardized to improve safety, labor efficiency, space utilization, and operational performance. Your leadership will directly influence launch success, plant readiness, and GM’s ability to scale a consistent, high-performing material system across the enterprise.

What You’ll Do

Lead end-to-end material execution for new vehicle programs from CSO through SORP, ensuring lean, launch-ready material flow across GMNA assembly plants

Develop & track to Master Dot milestones & Deliverables

Define and implement enterprise material flow strategies and automation roadmaps, including ASRS, AMR/AME, LMS, and other advanced material technologies

Drive implementation of best practices.  Integrate Lean Manufacturing and GM-Global Manufacturing System (GMS) principles

Drive cross-functional execution across Engineering, Supply Chain, IT, Controls, Program Teams, and Plant Launch Teams to ensure alignment, speed, and accountability

Develop and maintain 2D/3D material flow and LMS layouts for General Assembly four-walls and onsite logistics centers (LOCs), optimizing footprint, flow, and presentation

Lead critical analytics including Distance/Density Per Part (DPP), Part Number (DPPn), and PFEP updates to support changing program requirements and improve material efficiency

Build material execution plans that define investment strategy, storage capacity, routing logic, and lineside presentation for each program

Partner with IT and Controls to deploy, validate, and integrate automation systems that enable stable, scalable material operations

Establish and manage execution checkbooks, benefit trackers, and standardized performance metrics to measure impact and drive continuous improvement across plants

Conduct layout deep dives and station-by-station reviews to ensure material flow decisions support safety, ergonomics, labor efficiency, and operational excellence

Develop Statements of Requirements, onboard suppliers, and lead procurement and installation coordination for LMS and automation systems

Own onsite launch readiness, direct contract IE resources, and lead issue resolution through IVER, PTB, and assembly builds to protect timing and performance targets

Why This Role Matters

This is a high-visibility role with direct influence on launch execution, capital effectiveness, labor optimization, and enterprise standardization. Success in this position will enable GM to reduce complexity, improve material flow performance, accelerate automation adoption, and establish a stronger foundation for future manufacturing systems.

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience in material launch, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain within assembly or high-volume manufacturing environments

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, material flow design, and supply chain fundamentals

Experience leading launch execution and implementing lean material strategies in complex plant environments

Proficiency in AutoCAD, FactoryCAD, or equivalent layout and modeling tools

Demonstrated analytical capability and problem-solving skills in ambiguous, high-impact situations

Experience supporting automation deployment, LMS strategy, and material systems execution

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical field

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field

Direct plant operations or launch experience in General Assembly

Experience leading cross-functional teams, managing major milestones, and communicating progress to senior leadership

Working knowledge of ASRS, AMR/AME, and material flow automation principles

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization

#LI-MH1

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Total Rewards | Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources. 

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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