Assistant Plant Manager
About Voltava
Voltava is a premier global manufacturing and assembly partner formed through the combination of Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Android Industries, and Avancez, with approximately 5,400 team members across 21 facilities worldwide. The company provides complex module assembly, sequencing, contract manufacturing, supply chain, automation, and tooling and equipment design for OEM customers in automotive, industrial, e‑mobility, heavy‑truck, defense, and technology sectors. Kinetyc, its scalable contract manufacturing arm based in Wixom, Michigan, expands capabilities and capacity.
About the Role
The Assistant Plant Manager provides operational leadership within a high‑volume automotive assembly facility, supporting the Plant Manager in achieving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives. The role leads plant‑floor operations, develops operations leadership, drives continuous improvement, and ensures production processes meet customer and company expectations. Responsibilities include operational launches, lean manufacturing initiatives, employee development, and cross‑functional problem solving while fostering a safe, accountable, and high‑performing plant environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily plant‑floor operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
- Lead operational launch activities and ensure successful implementation of new programs and processes.
- Develop and coach Operations Managers, Production Supervisors, and production teams.
- Monitor production performance, staffing, schedules, and resources to meet customer requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing, standardized work, 5S, and structured problem solving.
- Partner with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Materials, and Logistics to resolve issues and improve plant performance.
- Support IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 compliance and customer quality requirements.
- Support plant planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in automotive assembly.
- Strong knowledge of high‑volume manufacturing and Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Proven ability to lead teams, drive KPIs, and improve operational performance.
- Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively across all levels of an organization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Bonus: Automotive Tier 1 or contract manufacturing experience.
- Bonus: Experience with new program launches.
- Bonus: IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 knowledge.
- Bonus: Lean or Six Sigma certification.
- Bonus: Experience with 5S, PFEP, and standardized work.
Travel: Minimal travel required.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
Benefits
Voltava offers a competitive total rewards package that may include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; retirement savings programs with employer contributions; tuition reimbursement; paid time off and holidays; employee assistance resources; and additional wellness programs designed to support health, financial well‑being, professional growth, and overall quality of life.
Core Values
- Respect – creating belonging by bringing out the best in each other.
- Integrity – earning trust through every interaction.
- Courage – showing up fully even when it would be easier not to.
- Impact – strengthening the people and places around us.