Automotive Plant General Manager: Lean Leader & P&L

Soap Creek Resources; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Soap Creek Resources is seeking a hands‑on Plant General Manager in Kentucky to lead a major automotive manufacturing operation. The role requires proven plant leadership, a track record of improving quality, cost, delivery, safety, and profitability, and deep knowledge of APQP/PPAP/FMEA and Lean methods.

You will oversee production, quality, safety, maintenance, and engineering, drive operational excellence, and manage fiscal performance including budget and forecasts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven experience leading a complex automotive manufacturing operation.
• Track record of delivering improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, productivity, and profitability.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and structured problem‑solving.
• Strong Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence experience.
• Proven experience leading new product and new program launches in automotive.
• Strong plant‑level financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, motivate, and retain high‑performing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high‑accountability automotive environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing quality, safety, delivery, productivity, and cost systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for plant operations across production, quality, engineering, maintenance, materials, safety, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Ensure the plant meets quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Maintain accountability for ISO standards and customer‑specific quality systems.
• Drive a culture of quality, customer focus, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, standard work, waste reduction, and problem‑solving.
• Analyze processes and metrics to improve efficiency, productivity, quality, throughput, and profitability.
• Establish KPIs and management systems to monitor performance and drive accountability.
• Develop and manage the plant's annual operating plan, budget, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Oversee monthly and annual plant P&L, cost control, labor efficiency, inventory, and productivity.
• Address customer quality issues, warranty concerns, delivery issues, and escalations.
• Lead new product launches and ensure successful execution from launch to production.
• Ensure adherence to automotive launch and quality processes (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, sales, materials, and operations for programs and customer support.
• Maintain a safe work environment and compliance with safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare for and respond to plant emergencies, supply disruptions, and operational challenges.
• Develop and retain employees, fostering trust, accountability, teamwork, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear performance expectations and hold leadership teams accountable.
• Provide coaching, development, and corrective direction as needed.
• Promote open communication and accountability across all levels.

Skills

Plant leadership

P&L ownership

Lean manufacturing

Quality systems

APQP/PPAP/FMEA

New product launches

Operational excellence

Team development

Strategic planning

Customer requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Soap Creek Resources is seeking a hands‑on Plant General Manager in Kentucky to lead a major automotive manufacturing operation. The role requires proven plant leadership, a track record of improving quality, cost, delivery, safety, and profitability, and deep knowledge of APQP/PPAP/FMEA and Lean methods.

You will oversee production, quality, safety, maintenance, and engineering, drive operational excellence, and manage fiscal performance including budget and forecasts.