Sr. Manufacturing Manager

Sr. Manufacturing Manager

Lead the operations of a premier, tech-driven automotive manufacturer with over 50 years of stability, inheriting a 100% permanent workforce and the autonomy to drive team growth and operational excellence! 50+ Years of Stability: Take true ownership of operations for a premier automotive employer backed by a long-tenured GM and a wave of incoming new business. No Contingent Labor: Lead a dedicated, 100% permanent plant workforce where we actively focus on developing from within and growing internal talent. Modern, Tech-Driven Facility: Work in a large, newly remodeled office near the manufacturing floor, managing a plant updated with cutting-edge technology. Great Rewards: Boost your earnings with annual bonus potential and choose from multiple comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. True Leadership Impact: Step into a role where you aren't just managing—you are leading the growth of your team and shaping the future of the operation.

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• P&L & Cost Management: Along with the GM, actively evaluate the plant P&L and monitor variable costs, including direct/indirect labor, tooling cost allocations, etc., in order to maximize profitability and drive cost control.
• Strategic Planning: Direct daily production activities and provide leadership through a 6–12-month planning cycle, contributing directly to long-range (1–2 year) operational strategies.
• Budgeting & Scheduling: Oversee the operations budget, daily labor planning, production scheduling, and material control to consistently meet customer demands.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Lean & 5S: Drive the execution of Lean Manufacturing practices, 5S initiatives, and overall plant cleanliness across the plant.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with quality standards, customer specifications, and state/federal environmental regulations (including wastewater and chemical handling).
• Safety Program Leadership: Lead proactive safety programs, including employee training, incident investigations, and Workers' Compensation processes.

Team Development & Employee Relations

• Talent Development: Build and manage the operations leadership team, overseeing training matrices, onboarding, and long-term employee development initiatives.
• Culture & Accountability: Foster a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, and rapid, collaborative problem resolution.
• Workforce Management: Manage direct reports' schedules, attendance, and vacations, ensuring consistent application of company policies.

The qualified candidate will enjoy spending up to 60-70% of their day on the manufacturing floor, be a good problem solver, able to work in fast-paced automotive environments, thrive on driving continuous improvement, able to build a team and drive engagement and execute plans and projects. The General Manager is anxiously awaiting their strategic operations partner! The company offers EXCELLENT medical benefits (including dental and vision) available after 90 days, short-term and long-term disability, 401K, paid holidays and vacation, tuition reimbursement, life, and BONUS potential.

REQUIREMENTS for the Sr. Manufacturing Manager: 1. Ideally a Bachelor's degree; an Associate's degree will be considered 2. At least five years in a similar operations management role 3. Experience working in metals environments, such as stamping, machining, fabrication, etc. 4. Experience overseeing direct and indirect reports 5. Experience overseeing at least 100 people in multi-shift operations 6. Working knowledge variable cost, labor planning and labor costs, cost of manufacturing, etc. 7. Microsoft Office Skills preferred but NOT required: 1. Automation 2. Lean/Six Sigma methodologies 3. Non-union workforces 4. Working knowledge of ERP systems 5. Automotive supplier experience 6. Previous experience with product launches 7. Experience with sales of at least 50M 8. Experience leading root cause analysis (problem solving) and corrective actions 9. Strong continuous improvement background with proven examples of scrap reductions, efficiency improvements, etc.

Reasons to work for this organization: Multiple plans for medical, dental and vision Stable organization in the automotive industry and adding new business Annual bonus potential Beautiful new office space with a window and close to the production floor A plant with cutting edge technology This company grows their internal talent Candidates are preferred to be local to the St. Joseph, MI area. There is a conservative relocation package for regional candidates meeting the requirements.