Plant Operations Manager

The Plant Operations Manager is responsible for leading plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable manufacturing. This role is hands-on and manages production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and continuous improvement activities to achieve customer, operational, and financial objectives. **Essential Responsibilities** - Lead daily manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, and quality. - Drive operational excellence by improving safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance. - Develop and execute short- and long-term operational plans aligned with business objectives. - Ensure preventive maintenance programs maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. - Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including scrap reduction, downtime analysis, and process optimization. - Ensure compliance with IATF, customer, environmental, health, safety, and company standards. - Monitor plant performance and achieve budget, productivity, and EBITDA goals. - Lead and develop employees through coaching, performance management, and succession planning. - Support new product launches and aftermarket business opportunities. - Participate in internal and external audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented. **Qualifications** **Education** - Bachelor’s degree in industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering, or a related field. - Master’s degree in engineering or business is preferred. **Experience** - 10+ years of manufacturing experience. Prefer automotive manufacturing experience. - 5+ years of leadership experience in an automotive manufacturing environment. - Advanced English proficiency. **Knowledge & Skills** - Manufacturing operations and continuous improvement - IATF and quality management systems - Financial and cost management - Project and time management - Leadership, coaching, and employee development - Problem-solving and decision-making - Microsoft Office proficiency - Strong communication and organizational skills **Core Competencies** - Leadership - Communication - Strategic Planning - Financial Acumen - Relationship Management - Project Management - Continuous Improvement **Blue EQ Competencies** - Motivation - Integrity - Monitoring - Impulse Control - Anticipation - Conflict Management **Authority** **The Operations Manager is authorized to:** - Stop production or shipments due to quality, safety, or compliance concerns. - Suspend unsafe work, equipment, or processes. - Approve operational equipment purchases and facility layout changes. - Enforce Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), quality, and company policies. **Working Conditions** - Occasional domestic and international travel. - Manufacturing environment with moderate physical activity. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.