Job Description

A well-established Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive supplier is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of plant operations at its Michigan facility. This organization is recognized throughout the Midwest for its expertise in precision plastic molding, interior trim components, and engineered assemblies .

The company offers a strong, stable environment with a leadership team that values lean manufacturing principles , continuous improvement , and employee development . This is an ideal opportunity for a driven operations leader who enjoys blending hands-on shop-floor engagement with strategic oversight in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing setting.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager will lead production, maintenance, and quality teams to meet and exceed plant performance goals. This individual will champion a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence , driving results through effective communication, data-driven decision-making, and process optimization.

You’ll work cross-functionally with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to maximize efficiency, improve profitability, and deliver world-class products to major automotive OEMs and interior systems suppliers.

Leadership & Performance

• Direct and coordinate all daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Build and lead high-performing teams through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.

Production & Process Excellence

• Oversee plastic injection molding and assembly operations for interior trim components and engineered plastic parts.
• Utilize lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and value stream mapping to enhance throughput and reduce waste.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics to identify trends, solve problems, and sustain long-term improvements.

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

• Lead the maintenance team to ensure uptime, preventive maintenance compliance, and optimal machine utilization.
• Support capital investment planning and coordinate installation of new molding and assembly equipment.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure products meet IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards, while maintaining alignment with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with quality and engineering teams to resolve process issues and implement corrective actions.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control to meet financial objectives.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives through process optimization, automation, and waste elimination.

Safety & Environmental Stewardship

• Lead by example in maintaining a zero-incident safety culture.
• Reinforce adherence to all EHS policies and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Industrial Management, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Minimum 3+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of plastic molding operations , production planning, and lean systems.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred:

• Background in Tier 1 automotive supply environments.
• Experience interpreting and managing to plant-level financial metrics (P&L, variance, cost analysis).
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary and annual performance bonus.
• Some relocation assistance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.

Keywords

Automotive manufacturing • Operations Manager • Plant leadership • Plastic injection molding • Interior trim • Tier 1 supplier • Lean manufacturing • Continuous improvement • Kaizen • IATF 16949 • ISO 14001 • Process engineering • Production management • Plastics industry

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