Manufacturing Operations Manager - 27564

Our client is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a significant portion of production operations at a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility in Zeeland, Michigan.

This is a highly visible plant leadership role with responsibility for approximately 60 employees across three shifts, including three direct-report Production Supervisors as well as Team Leads and Operators.

This individual will own day-to-day operational performance while also helping shape longer-term manufacturing strategy.

Success in this position requires more than keeping production on schedule. Our client is looking for a hands-on, credible manufacturing leader who understands the demands of the automotive industry and can balance safety, quality, delivery, cost, people development, new product introductions, and continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established automotive operations leader who enjoys being close to the plant floor while having the scope and authority to make meaningful operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations across an assigned business unit with responsibility for approximately 60 employees across three shifts.
• Directly lead, coach, and develop three Production Supervisors while building accountability throughout the Team Lead and Operator structure.
• Execute production plans while ensuring operations achieve established safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Provide leadership for high-volume assembly operations and support additional manufacturing processes as assigned.
• Monitor operational and financial performance, identify performance gaps, and implement corrective actions.
• Balance daily production requirements with new product launches, process changes, and other manufacturing initiatives.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, product development, quality, supply chain, and procurement teams to ensure appropriate labor, materials, equipment, and support resources are available.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term operational strategies that support plant and business objectives.
• Identify equipment and capital requirements and provide recommendations supporting productivity, capacity, quality, and cost objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, waste elimination, and cost-reduction initiatives throughout the operation.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes, systems, policies, and procedures and implement improvements that strengthen operational performance.
• Develop a strong leadership pipeline through coaching, mentoring, training, and performance management.
• Build a cohesive, accountable manufacturing team capable of consistently meeting production and customer requirements.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and work closely with frontline leadership to quickly identify and resolve operational issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• 10 years of automotive manufacturing experience
• 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership, production management, or operations management experience.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting new product launches or new product introductions within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, waste reduction, and cost optimization experience.
• Experience participating in capital equipment planning and manufacturing process improvements.
• Strong understanding of the financial impact of manufacturing decisions and operational performance.

Benefits Highlights

• Excellent 401(k): Up to 6% company contribution, including 3% provided regardless of employee contributions.
• Low-Cost Medical Coverage
• Company-Paid Insurance: Life insurance equal to 2x annual salary, plus short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 13 paid holidays plus paid vacation.
• Additional Perks: Annual bonus programs, tuition reimbursement, gym reimbursement, and affordable dental and vision coverage.

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Manufacturing Manager
• Operations Manager
• Production Manager
• Assembly Manager
• Senior Production Manager
• Manufacturing Operations Leader
• Plant Manager

If you are an automotive manufacturing leader who can develop people, improve processes, and drive measurable performance across a complex production operation, this opportunity offers meaningful responsibility and the ability to make an impact across an established manufacturing team.