Plant Manager
Piston Automotive · Romulus, MI · 3 wk ago
ManufacturingFull-time
Responsibilities
- Plant Leadership & Operational Execution
- Direct and manage all plant operations across Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, HR, Finance, and IT
- Establish and drive standards-based execution, accountability, and problem-solving discipline
- Manage & deliver plant performance across production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety metrics
- Ensure alignment of plant operations with broader business and financial objectives
- Launch, Expansion & Transformation
- Lead plant strengthening and Continuous Improvement efforts, urgently addressing any under performance or launch pressure
- Continuous Improvement system leadership and culture
- Lead plant launch, expansion, and/or major modernization initiatives
- Maintain strong execution discipline and engagement throughout complex launch and ramp-up phases
- Team Development & Culture
- Build and develop a high-performing leadership team capable of sustaining operations independently post-launch
- Foster a culture that is: Lean and process-driven, Strong Daily management systems, People-focused and engaging, Fast-paced in problem solving with robust root cause analysis, Standards-driven in execution
- Lead performance management and succession planning across all plant functions
- Automation & Engineering Alignment
- Lead operations within an evolving automated manufacturing environment, supporting advanced production systems and technology
- Partner cross-functionally to support continuous improvement and operational efficiency
- Materials & Supply Chain Leadership
- Build and lead a strong materials and logistics organization
- Ensure effective systems for: Inventory control, Line-side delivery, Supplier coordination
- Drive continuous improvement in material flow, cost, and operational efficiency
- Customer Leadership
- Serve as primary plant leader for customer-facing engagement, including executive-level interactions
- Lead with confidence and credibility in high-visibility situations
- Ensure delivery performance aligns with customer expectations and commitments
- Financial & Business Leadership
- Manage plant-level financial performance, including: Budget planning and execution, Cost control and reduction initiatives, Productivity and efficiency improvements
- Implement controls over: Capital expenditures, Operating expenses, Labor and material costs
- Drive measurable impact on cost, margin, and overall financial performance
- Facility & Compliance Management
- Maintain plant facilities, equipment, and infrastructure for optimal performance
- Implement and sustain preventative and predictive maintenance programs
- Ensure compliance with: Safety regulations, Environmental standards, Company policies and procedures
- Promote a safe, clean, and organized workplace (5S)
- REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- Minimum 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including plant-level or large-site leadership
- Proven experience leading plant launch, expansion, or transformation initiatives
- Experience operating in large, complex manufacturing environments
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing plant budgets, cost performance, and productivity
- Demonstrated experience leading the launch of a new site and/or expanding, transforming, or modernizing manufacturing operations
- Extensive experience managing complex launches, including ensuring alignment and accountability across plant and corporate teams
- Proven experience building and leading materials and supply chain teams
- Demonstrated ability to engage with OEM or executive-level customers, leading discussions with confidence and credibility
- Experience leading in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, maintaining composure and driving results through challenges
- PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience
- Experience supporting high automation / advanced manufacturing environments
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification
- Experience in unionized manufacturing environments