APU MANAGER (Autonomous Production Unit)

Hutchinson; Cadillac (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hutchinson is seeking an APU Manager to oversee the Surface Preparation, Automation, and Assembly areas at the Cadillac, MI facility. You will lead high‑volume production operations, ensure safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets, and drive continuous improvement.

This exempt role reports to the Plant Manager and requires Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, strong leadership, and proven experience in automotive manufacturing, painting, or surface prep.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in progressive manufacturing leadership in high-volume environments.
• Experience in automotive, industrial, or assembly manufacturing preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of Surface Preparation, Automation, and Assembly to achieve production objectives.
• Drive KPI analysis and continuous improvement using Lean methodologies.
• Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Logistics, HR to resolve issues.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet customer requirements.
• Maintain production records and ensure regulatory and safety compliance.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Leadership

Automotive manufacturing

High-volume production management

Surface preparation expertise

Automation systems

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field

Job description

The APU Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production within the Surface Preparation, Automation, and Assembly areas. This role ensures that operations meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, employee development, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience managing high-volume production painting and surface preparation processes, with a strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems, paint application technologies, process controls, and quality standards.

This position is exempt under FLSA and reports to the Plant Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in, understand, support, and ensure compliance with all Company Safety, Quality, Environmental, and Regulatory policies and requirements.
• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Surface Preparation, Automation, and Assembly areas to achieve production objectives.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, Scrap, and Efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles, problem-solving methodologies, and data-driven decision making.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Logistics, Human Resources, and other functional departments to resolve issues, improve processes, and achieve operational goals.
• Oversee production scheduling, staffing, workforce planning, and resource allocation to meet customer requirements and production targets.
• Manage and control labor, material, and operational costs while maintaining profitability and operational efficiency within the APU.
• Support the implementation of new equipment, technologies, automation systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure proper staffing levels through employee development, training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and a positive work environment consistent with Company values.
• Maintain accurate production records, performance reports, and operational documentation.
• Analyze production data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Lead daily production meetings, KPI reviews, and continuous improvement activities to drive operational excellence.
• Provide leadership and direction during production challenges, equipment downtime, quality concerns, and customer-related issues.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive manufacturing experience in a high-volume production environment.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing production teams, supervisors, or manufacturing departments.
• Experience within automotive, industrial, or assembly manufacturing environments preferred.
• Proven experience driving improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity metrics.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher.
• Experience leading automation, robotics, surface preparation, painting, assembly, or related manufacturing operations.
• Experience with KPI development, visual management systems, and performance management processes.
• Experience implementing new equipment, manufacturing technologies, and process improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of quality systems, customer requirements, and manufacturing best practices.
• Thorough understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis, and Problem-Solving methodologies.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret production data and implement corrective actions.
• Extensive experience in managing high-volume production paitning and surface preparation processes, with a strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems, paint applications technologies, process controls and quality standards.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, staffing, and resource management.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) – preferred
• Leadership or Supervisory Training Certification – preferred
• Valid Driver’s License – required
• First Aid/CPR Certification – preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct supervision of team leaders and production associates within the assigned department.

TEAM SKILLS:

• The employee must be able to work with others in a team setting.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence organizational performance.