Automotive Plant GM: Lean, Quality & Growth Leader

H.T. Prof Executive Search; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking a hands-on Plant General Manager for a major automotive manufacturing operation. The role leads production, quality, safety, delivery, cost, and engineering to drive sustainable improvements and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has proven plant leadership, experience with automotive launches, and strong financial management. Responsibilities include budgeting, KPI oversight, and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven experience leading a complex manufacturing plant or major operation.
• Track record of improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, productivity, profitability.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and structured problem solving.
• Lean manufacturing and operational excellence experience.
• Experience with new product launches in automotive environments.
• Plant-level financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.
• Strong leadership and people development abilities.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to drive accountability in a fast-paced automotive setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for plant operations: production, quality, engineering, maintenance, materials, safety, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives and customer needs.
• Ensure quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction targets are met.
• Maintain ISO compliance and customer quality requirements across the plant.
• Lead continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methods.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and plant performance reporting.
• Oversee annual operating plan, budget, and financial performance.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams and foster a performance-driven culture.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

P&L ownership

Quality systems

ISO standards

Team leadership

Automotive launches

Budgeting

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

H.T. Prof Executive Search is seeking a hands-on Plant General Manager for a major automotive manufacturing operation. The role leads production, quality, safety, delivery, cost, and engineering to drive sustainable improvements and customer satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has proven plant leadership, experience with automotive launches, and strong financial management. Responsibilities include budgeting, KPI oversight, and building high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.