Area Manager

This position will be based out of our North Vernon, IN location.

About the role

The Area Manager – Forge & Machine Line Operations is responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the complete manufacturing process from powder metal compaction through finished machined product for Tier 1 automotive customers. This position provides leadership for production, manufacturing engineering, maintenance, tooling, quality systems, continuous improvement, and personnel across both Forge and Machine Line operations while ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, customer requirements, and all safety standards. The Area Manager drives operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing principles, problem solving, process capability improvement, preventative maintenance, employee development, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Direct all daily operations for Forge and Machine Line departments.
• Ensure achievement of Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity (SQDCP) objectives.
• Develop staffing plans, labor utilization, and succession planning.
• Lead improvement initiatives through cross-functional teams for Quality, Equipment Reliability, and Engineering.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain process controls throughout Forge and Machine Line operations.
• Drive reduction of scrap, rework, customer complaints, and warranty issues.
• Assist root cause investigations utilizing: 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, A3 Problem Solving.
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture. Ensure OSHA compliance. Lead safety audits and corrective actions.
• Maintain 5S workplace organization.
• Support environmental compliance initiatives.
• Coach and develop supervisors and production teams. Conduct performance evaluations.
• Identify training needs and create development plans.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement culture.
• Lead employee engagement initiatives.
• Support cross-functional communication between Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Five (5)+ years of manufacturing leadership experience (automotive manufacturing preferred).
• Experience managing both Forge and Machining operations preferred.
• Experience with powder metal manufacturing highly preferred.

About the company

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.