Automotive Plant GM: Lean Leader for Quality & Profit

True North Consultants, Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Plant General Manager to lead a major automotive manufacturing operation in Lexington, KY. This role drives production, quality, safety, delivery, and cost performance while building high‑performing teams.

The successful candidate will own P&L, implement Lean manufacturing, and oversee continuous improvement programs to deliver sustainable gains in quality, cost, delivery, and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.
• Proven experience leading a complex manufacturing plant or major operation.
• Track record of delivering measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, productivity, and profitability.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality and launch methodologies (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and structured problem-solving).
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Experience leading new product and program launches in an automotive environment.
• Strong plant financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for plant operations across production, quality, engineering, maintenance, materials, safety, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Ensure quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction targets are met or exceeded.
• Maintain ISO compliance and customer-specific quality systems.
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and standard work to reduce waste and improve performance.
• Analyze processes and metrics to improve efficiency, throughput, and profitability.
• Establish KPIs and manage the annual operating plan, budget, and financial performance.
• Manage monthly and annual P&L responsibility and cost control.
• Lead new product launches and ensure successful program execution.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Quality systems

Financial management

Problem-solving

Leadership

Team development

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

Job description

True North Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Plant General Manager to lead a major automotive manufacturing operation in Lexington, KY. This role drives production, quality, safety, delivery, and cost performance while building high‑performing teams.

The successful candidate will own P&L, implement Lean manufacturing, and oversee continuous improvement programs to deliver sustainable gains in quality, cost, delivery, and profitability.