Automotive Plant Leader: Lean Ops & Profitability

Food Management Search, Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Food Management Search, Inc. is seeking a Plant General Manager to lead a large automotive manufacturing operation in Kentucky. The role focuses on driving profitability, quality, safety, delivery, and cost improvements while aligning with major automotive customer requirements.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on leadership, a track record of improving plant performance, and capability to manage budgets, forecasts, and program launches in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven experience leading a complex manufacturing plant or major manufacturing operation.
• Demonstrated track record delivering improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, productivity, and profitability.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality and launch methodologies including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans, and structured problem-solving.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience leading new product and program launches within an automotive environment.
• Strong understanding of plant-level financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for plant operations across production, quality, engineering, maintenance, materials, safety, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligning with company objectives and customer requirements.
• Ensure plant meets quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Maintain compliance with ISO standards and customer requirements.
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and standard work.

Skills

Leadership

PL/LOwner

Lean Manufacturing

Quality systems

Problem-solving

Team development

Customer focus

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

Job description

Food Management Search, Inc. is seeking a Plant General Manager to lead a large automotive manufacturing operation in Kentucky. The role focuses on driving profitability, quality, safety, delivery, and cost improvements while aligning with major automotive customer requirements.

Ideal candidates will have hands-on leadership, a track record of improving plant performance, and capability to manage budgets, forecasts, and program launches in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.