What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Manager position at Nokian Tyres plc?
About the Company
Nokian Tyres' purpose is to make the world safer by reinventing tires, and how they are made, over and over again - a safer place to drive, work and live now and for generations to come. Inspired by our northern heritage, we develop and manufacture premium tires for passenger cars, trucks and heavy machinery with sustainability at the heart of all our operations. Our Vianor chain provides tire and car services. We are some 3,800 people with net sales of EUR 1.3 billion in 2024, and together we lead the journey to smarter driving for people and for businesses. Nokian Tyres is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. Further information: www.nokiantyres.com, company.nokiantyres.com/
About the Role
The Plant Manager leads the Nokian Tyres Dayton manufacturing facility with full accountability for safety, people leadership, operational performance, and cost discipline. This role sets a visible safety-first culture, drives results through hands-on leadership and lean manufacturing practices, and builds a strong leadership team capable of delivering sustained performance in a dynamic operating environment.
Safety Leadership
- Establishes and sustains a strong safety culture with visible leadership and personal accountability.
- Ensures full compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations and company standards, making safety the primary consideration in all decisions and activities.
Operational & Financial Performance
- Delivers plant performance across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost targets.
- Owns the plant operating budget and resource planning, demonstrating above‑average numerical and analytical capability.
- Applies a hands-on leadership approach, using structured problem solving and data-driven analysis to identify root causes and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
- Champions lean philosophy and methodology across the plant, embedding continuous improvement into daily operations.
- Coaches and develops leaders and teams in lean tools and systematic problem solving to build internal capability and accountability.
- Drives employee involvement in improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, improve flow, and enhance operational stability.
People Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness
- Builds, develops, and leads a strong plant leadership team aligned with Nokian Tyres’ values.
- Demonstrates a fair, respectful, and result‑oriented leadership style, balancing accountability with trust and engagement.
- Organizes and adapts the plant structure as needed to meet changing business demands.
- Motivates and engages employees effectively through periods of change, ensuring clarity, alignment, and sustained performance.
- Uphold Nokian Tyres’ mission and values, and demonstrate supporting behaviors in day-to-day actions.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a high‑volume production environment, including senior site or multi‑department responsibility.
- Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, with a proven ability to coach others.
- Strong financial, planning, and budgeting skills with high numerical and analytical competence.
- Proven ability to build and develop teams, lead through change, and consistently deliver results.
Skills
- Strong financial, planning, and budgeting skills with high numerical and analytical competence.
- Proven ability to build and develop teams, lead through change, and consistently deliver results
- Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, with a proven ability to coach others.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Relocation assistance
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance day one
- 401(k) eligible after one month
- 401(k) matching 100% on first 6%
- Short-term incentive plan
- Long-term incentive plan
- Paid time off
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discounts
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Onsite fitness facility
- Wellness benefits
Nokian Tyres is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law.