Assistant Plant Director Operations - Union, SC

Gestamp Automoción S.A.; South Carolina; On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Gestamp Automoción S.A. in South Carolina seeks an experienced Assistant Plant Director - Operations to lead manufacturing and supply chain operations, partnering with the Plant Director to deliver safety, quality, and operational excellence.

The role requires progressive leadership in high-volume automotive manufacturing, overseeing Manufacturing, Materials, Planning, and Logistics, and driving Lean initiatives to optimize performance and growth across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Progressive leadership experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading Manufacturing, Materials, Planning, and Logistics.
• Strong knowledge of Tier 1 automotive operations, Lean Manufacturing, and operational excellence.
• Proven track record of improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity metrics.

Responsibilities

• Help lead all manufacturing and supply chain operations within the plant.
• Provide leadership and development for Business Unit Managers and operational leadership teams.
• Drive performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost, inventory, and customer delivery metrics.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize labor, equipment, capacity, material flow, and inventory performance.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and growth initiatives.
• Build high-performing teams through coaching, accountability, and talent development.
• Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team and act on behalf of the Plant Director when needed.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

Leadership

Supply Chain

Safety & Quality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Supply Chain/Business

Job description

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Location: US Gestamp South Carolina, US, US Gestamp

Date: Oct 15, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

Lead Manufacturing Excellence. Drive Performance. Shape the Future of Automotive Production.

At Gestamp, we are redefining the future of automotive manufacturing through advanced metal forming, body-in-white technologies, and innovative production systems. We are seeking an experienced and driven Assistant Plant Director - Operations to help lead one of our high-volume manufacturing facilities and play a key role in delivering world-class safety, quality, and operational performance.

This is a highly visible leadership role with significant influence across manufacturing, materials management, planning, logistics, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will partner closely with the Plant Director to drive operational excellence while developing the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

What You'll Do

• Help lead all manufacturing and supply chain operations within the plant.
• Provide leadership and development for Business Unit Managers and operational leadership teams.
• Drive performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost, inventory, and customer delivery metrics.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize labor, equipment, capacity, material flow, and inventory performance.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, and growth initiatives.
• Build high-performing teams through coaching, accountability, and talent development.
• Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team and act on behalf of the Plant Director when needed.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Progressive leadership experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading multiple functions including Manufacturing, Materials, Planning, and Logistics.
• Strong knowledge of Tier 1 automotive operations, Lean Manufacturing, and operational excellence.
• Proven track record of improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity metrics.
• Experience leading large teams and developing future leaders.
• Familiarity with stamping, welding, assembly, and automotive quality systems preferred.

Why Gestamp?

• Global automotive technology leader
• High-impact leadership position with significant visibility
• Opportunity to shape plant strategy, culture, and performance
• Career growth within a world-class manufacturing organization
• Competitive compensation, bonus, and benefits

If you're a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on developing teams, driving results, and creating operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and seek to hire the best candidate regardless of age, beliefs, disability, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

About us

We are a multi-technology company present in over 20 countries and our team of over 40,000 is made up of 90 different nationalities. They are the driving force of our company, which designs, develops and produces parts for over 900 models of the leading vehicle manufacturers, and enable us to be one of the top suppliers worldwide.

Do you have what it takes to build the future of mobility with us?

• You will be joining a leading international group in the automotive sector with a clear commitment to innovation, a trail-blazer in Industry 4.0 and engaged with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria.
• This is an opening to build a career in a global environment with many opportunities to grow both professionally and personally by participating and leading innovative and international projects.
• You will find a supportive and friendly environment where the emphasis is on team work, continuous improvement, trust, a dynamic spirit and thinking outside the box, and a passion for a job well done.
• You will be working with highly qualified professionals as Gestamp is committed to the ongoing training of our teams.