Automotive Plant GM: Lean Operations & Quality Leader

The Recruiting Hive; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recruiting Hive is seeking an experienced Plant General Manager for an automotive manufacturing facility in Lexington, Kentucky. You will provide leadership across production, quality, safety, and engineering, driving performance, quality, and profitability.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of turning around complex manufacturing operations, deep knowledge of Lean, APQP/PPAP, and strong P&L management. You will build high-performing teams and deliver sustainable improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven experience leading a complex manufacturing plant or major manufacturing operation.
• Measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, productivity, and profitability.
• Knowledge of automotive quality and launch methodologies (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and structured problem-solving).
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise.
• New product and program launches in automotive environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for plant operations including production, quality, engineering, maintenance, safety, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Ensure plant meets quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Maintain ISO compliance and customer quality systems.
• Drive a culture of quality, customer focus, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Analyze processes and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Establish KPIs and management systems to monitor performance and drive accountability.
• Oversee annual operating plan, budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Maintain accountability for monthly and annual plant P&L.
• Respond to customer quality issues, warranty, and delivery escalations.
• Lead new product launches from launch through production.
• Ensure automotive launch and quality processes (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, control plans).
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, sales, materials, and operations teams.
• Establish and maintain a safe work environment and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare for emergencies, supply disruptions, and operational challenges.
• Develop and retain employees with a performance-driven culture.
• Set performance expectations and hold leadership teams accountable.
• Conduct performance evaluations and coaching.
• Foster open communication across the organization.
• Identify and resolve operational, quality, customer, and performance issues.
• Build relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Promote a positive, professional culture.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

P&L ownership

Quality systems

Six Sigma

Budgeting

Problem solving

Team development

Manufacturing operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Recruiting Hive is seeking an experienced Plant General Manager for an automotive manufacturing facility in Lexington, Kentucky. You will provide leadership across production, quality, safety, and engineering, driving performance, quality, and profitability.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of turning around complex manufacturing operations, deep knowledge of Lean, APQP/PPAP, and strong P&L management. You will build high-performing teams and deliver sustainable improvements.