Administration Director

Gotion Inc.; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gotion Inc. is seeking a Administration Director to lead the overall administrative operations for a ~500-employee U.S. manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL.

You will direct site services, security, and workplace operations to ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective plant functioning. The role requires a hands-on leader with experience in manufacturing administration, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive administration, site operations, or general affairs experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of people management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary administrative teams.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with local and state government agencies and officials.
• Experience supporting a 300–1,000+ employee manufacturing facility is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee plant administration and site operations for a manufacturing facility of ~500 employees.
• Develop, implement, and improve administrative policies, procedures, service standards, and processes.
• Oversee employee services, security, transportation, catering, and workplace services, aligned with production needs.
• Establish service standards and feedback mechanisms to improve the employee experience.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Engineering, EHS, Production, and Maintenance to resolve site issues.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

Budget Management

People Management

Operations Management

Executive Communication

Problem Solving

Multicultural Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Management/Operations/Hospitality Management or related field

Job description

Administration Director

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world’s first mass commercial e-bus route.

Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.

Location: U.S. Manufacturing Facility

Level: Director

Reports to: Head of Management Center

Site Size: Approximately 500 employees

Position Summary

The Plant Administration Director is responsible for leading the overall administrative operations and site services for a manufacturing facility of approximately 500 employees. This role ensures the safe, efficient, professional, and cost-effective operation of the site by overseeing general administration, employee services, security, transportation, catering, facility support, vendor management, workplace services, executive/VIP visits, and major site events. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on site leader with strong experience supporting large-scale manufacturing operations and building effective administrative systems in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plant Administration & Site Operations
• Lead the overall day‑to‑day administrative operations and site services for a manufacturing facility of approximately 500 employees.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative policies, procedures, service standards, and operating processes.
• Ensure administrative services effectively support production schedules, shift operations, and overall plant requirements.
• Identify operational issues and drive timely resolution in coordination with relevant departments.
• Develop annual administration plans, budgets, and cost‑control initiatives.
• Employee & Workplace Services
• Oversee employee services including catering, transportation/shuttle services, accommodation support, uniforms, office supplies, meeting rooms, mail/courier services, and other workplace services.
• Ensure administrative resources are appropriately adjusted based on workforce growth, production schedules, and shift requirements.
• Establish service standards and employee feedback mechanisms to continuously improve the employee experience.
• Site & Facility Support
• Oversee administrative management of office areas, common areas, and plant support facilities.
• Manage janitorial services, landscaping, snow removal, waste services, pest control, and other general site services.
• Partner closely with Facilities, Engineering, EHS, Production, and Maintenance teams to ensure site issues are resolved efficiently.
• Maintain a professional, organized, and operationally ready workplace environment.
• Security & Site Access
• Oversee plant security operations, including security vendors, access control, visitor management, vehicle access, site patrols, and restricted‑area management.
• Establish and maintain effective visitor and contractor management procedures.
• Coordinate with EHS and plant leadership on emergency response and business continuity activities related to site administration.
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Manage administrative vendors and service providers, including catering, transportation, security, janitorial, accommodation, and workplace service providers.
• Establish and monitor vendor KPIs and SLAs related to quality, cost, compliance, responsiveness, and service performance.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews and drive corrective actions when required.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, contract optimization, and service improvement.
• Executive Visits & Major Events
• Lead administrative coordination for executive visits, customer visits, government delegations, business partners, and other VIP guests.
• Plan and support major plant meetings, employee events, celebrations, community events, and corporate activities.
• Establish professional and standardized protocols for VIP reception and plant tours.
• Cross‑Functional Coordination
• Partner closely with HR, EHS, Production, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, IT, and other functions to support plant operations.
• Lead cross‑functional resolution of administrative and site service issues.
• Support relationships with local service providers, community organizations, government agencies, and other external stakeholders as needed.
• Team Leadership
• Lead and develop the plant administration team, including organization design, staffing, performance management, and capability development.
• Establish clear team responsibilities, KPIs, service standards, and accountability mechanisms.
• Build a professional, responsive, service‑oriented administration organization capable of supporting continued plant growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive administration, site operations, or general affairs experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of people management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary administrative teams.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with local, and state government agencies and officials, serving as a key company representative on government and regulatory matters impacting site operations.
• Experience supporting a 300–1,000+ employee manufacturing facility strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plant administration, employee services, security, transportation, catering, workplace services, and vendor management.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, cost control, contract negotiation, and vendor performance management.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to urgent site operational issues.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, employees, vendors, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in battery, EV, automotive, semiconductor, energy, or other advanced manufacturing industries preferred.
• Experience working in a multicultural and international organization is highly desirable.
• Bilingual English/Mandarin communication skills are a plus.

Base pay is one part of our total compensation package at Gotion, and is determined within a range. This provides you with the opportunity to progress as you grow and advance your career at Gotion. The base pay range for this role is shown below, and will depend on your skills, qualifications, experiences, and location.

Expected Pay Range

$160,000 - $180,000 USD

Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.

We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.