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Plant Manager (Automotive - JIT)
Grand Ledge, MI · ManufacturingPosition Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Plant Manager to oversee operations at our client's JIT (Just-in-Time) assembly plant that supplies high-quality parts to the automotive industry. This is a non-union facility that produces components in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Plant Manager will be responsible for ensuring optimal plant performance through efficient and effective manufacturing practices, team management, and continuous improvement efforts.
This role requires strong leadership, deep understanding of JIT principles, and the ability to drive performance while maintaining a high level of quality and safety. The successful candidate will be a key player in maintaining our commitment to production excellence and meeting customer demands in a timely manner.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications & Skills
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Plant Manager to oversee operations at our client's JIT (Just-in-Time) assembly plant that supplies high-quality parts to the automotive industry. This is a non-union facility that produces components in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Plant Manager will be responsible for ensuring optimal plant performance through efficient and effective manufacturing practices, team management, and continuous improvement efforts.
This role requires strong leadership, deep understanding of JIT principles, and the ability to drive performance while maintaining a high level of quality and safety. The successful candidate will be a key player in maintaining our commitment to production excellence and meeting customer demands in a timely manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of production supervisors, operators, and support staff to achieve plant goals.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities for all team members.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels and manage labor resources effectively to meet production schedules.
- Production Operations Management
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the plant, ensuring production targets, quality standards, and customer demands are met on time and within budget.
- Manage production scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation to optimize plant throughput.
- Implement and maintain JIT manufacturing principles to ensure inventory levels are minimized and production efficiency is maximized.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including efficiency, downtime, scrap rates, and quality metrics.
- Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Champion the implementation of lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping) to drive operational improvements.
- Identify and lead cost reduction initiatives, process improvements, and waste minimization efforts.
- Conduct root cause analysis and lead corrective actions for production inefficiencies, quality issues, and safety concerns.
- Quality & Compliance
- Ensure that all production processes meet the highest standards of quality and comply with industry regulations and customer specifications.
- Work closely with the quality control team to resolve any issues related to product defects or non-conformance.
- Drive a culture of quality assurance through employee engagement and ownership of quality at all levels of the production process.
- Safety & Environment
- Promote a safety-first culture, ensuring the plant adheres to all safety regulations and company policies.
- Conduct regular safety audits, training sessions, and safety meetings to ensure a safe working environment.
- Actively work to reduce workplace injuries and incidents by promoting safe work practices and compliance with OSHA standards.
- Budgeting & Financial Management
- Develop and manage the plant's annual budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to achieve financial and operational goals.
- Monitor and control operating costs to ensure they are aligned with the company's financial objectives.
- Report on plant performance to senior management, providing analysis on production results, costs, and forecasts.
- Customer & Supplier Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, addressing their requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of materials needed for production.
Qualifications & Skills
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Lean Six Sigma certification or other continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing leadership role within an automotive supplier or similar industry.
- Proven experience managing a JIT assembly plant or similar fast-paced, non-union environment.
- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement processes.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent leadership and people management skills with a proven ability to drive results through teams.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data and metrics to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
- Solid understanding of JIT principles, inventory management, and production scheduling.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.