Manager, Plant Operations - Tennessee

Summary

Customer-focused leader accountable for delivering a reliable, high-quality product and an exceptional customer experience from the Knoxville, Tennessee transmission manufacturing site (~100 employees). Leads overall site performance across safety, quality, delivery, people, and cost—anticipating customer needs and driving strong customer scorecard results. Owns site execution to achieve operating leverage while delivering multiple program launches that increase volume and meet customer SOP and ramp commitments. Partners with Finance, HR, Supply Chain/Logistics, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to deliver the site operating plan (including material effectiveness and disciplined launch execution) in a lean-overhead environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Include The Following.

• Owns full-site performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) and ensures alignment to company strategy, customer requirements, and the annual operating plan.
• Accountable for site financial performance, including EBITDA delivery; leads monthly operating reviews, variance analysis, and action plans (productivity, yield/scrap, spending control) to close gaps.
• Drives working-capital discipline: inventory optimization and accuracy, premium freight reduction, payables/receivables issue resolution with cross-functional partners, and capex prioritization/ROI execution.
• Leads financial performance and operating leverage plans to address demand and launch timing volatility; drives disciplined countermeasures, forecasts, and transparent communication of risks/opportunities.
• Directs plant budgeting, cost-to-serve, and productivity improvements; drives absorption through volume ramp execution, capacity planning, and fixed/variable cost management.
• Improves material effectiveness by strengthening purchasing/supplier performance, scrap reduction, inventory accuracy, premium freight reduction, and material yield.
• Executes multiple program launches with strong launch governance (timing, readiness, Run-at-Rate, PFMEA/Control Plan, PPAP, change control) and cross-functional accountability to meet customer SOP and ramp commitments.
• Owns shipments execution and sales realization by ensuring output, logistics, and documentation disciplines that support on-time delivery, billing accuracy, and customer scorecard performance; partners with Commercial on growth and retention priorities.
• Ensures compliance and effectiveness of the Quality Management System (IATF 16949) and drives robust problem solving (8D/A3), layered process audits, and corrective action closure.
• Champions a safe workplace by enforcing EHS standards, leading risk assessments and corrective actions, and building a culture of prevention and accountability.
• Leads continuous improvement using lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and variation while improving flow, OEE, uptime, and on-time delivery.
• Develops leaders and teams through clear goals, standard work, coaching, performance management, and succession planning; fosters engagement and a high-accountability culture.
• Partners with Supply Chain/Logistics to manage production planning, scheduling, inventory, and customer delivery performance; maintains customer communication and escalation as required.
• Collaborates with Engineering and Maintenance to sustain equipment capability, implement process changes, and execute capital projects supporting launches, quality, and throughput.
• Ensures compliance with Environmental Management System procedures and all Health, Safety, and Environmental policies.
• Consistently demonstrates prompt, regular, and reliable attendance and the ability to support business needs, including extended hours as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

Minimum - 7 to 10 years related experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment, including leadership responsibility for production, engineering, quality, and/or supply chain.

Preferred - Plant leadership experience in automotive manufacturing (powertrain/transmission strongly preferred) with demonstrated results in launch execution, cost recovery, and operational excellence. Proven ability to lead in a lean-overhead environment with strong variable cost management (e.g., material yield/scrap, supplier performance, inventory and premium freight). Experience with IATF 16949 disciplines and structured problem solving (8D/A3); familiarity with Lean / Toyota Production System concepts is a plus.

Computer Skills

Minimum - Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; ability to analyze plant financials and operational KPIs, including EBITDA bridge/drivers, labor and absorption, scrap/yield, OEE, inventory, premium freight, and forecast variance, and communicate results clearly.

Preferred – Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., QAD) and plant reporting/BI tools (e.g., BAE).