Automotive Plant Leader | Lean, Quality & P&L Ownership

Pernini Legal, Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Pernini Legal, Inc. seeks a highly experienced Plant General Manager to lead a complex automotive manufacturing operation in the United States. You will drive production, quality, safety, and cost performance while strengthening customer satisfaction and profitability.

The role requires hands-on leadership, deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing and quality systems, and a proven track record delivering sustainable improvements in a fast-paced plant environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven experience leading a complex manufacturing plant or major operation.
• Track record of measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, and profitability.
• Knowledge of automotive quality and launch methodologies (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).
• Strong Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence expertise.
• Experience leading new product launches in automotive environments.
• Solid plant-level financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations including production, quality, engineering, maintenance, materials, safety, delivery, and cost performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives and customer needs.
• Ensure the plant meets quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Maintain accountability for ISO standards, customer requirements, and quality systems.
• Drive a culture of quality, customer focus, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, standard work, and waste reduction.
• Analyze processes and performance metrics to drive efficiency, productivity, quality and profitability.
• Establish KPIs and management systems to monitor plant performance.
• Develop and manage the annual operating plan, budget, and forecasts.
• Maintain monthly and annual plant P&L accountability, including labor, scrap, inventory and productivity.
• Respond effectively to customer quality issues, warranty and delivery concerns.
• Provide leadership for new product and program launches from launch through production.
• Ensure compliance with automotive launch and quality processes (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, sales, materials and operations to support programs.
• Maintain a safe work environment and comply with safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare for emergencies, supply disruptions, and other operational challenges.
• Develop and retain employees, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
• Set clear performance expectations and coach leadership teams.
• Communicate across all organization levels to promote openness and accountability.
• Identify and resolve operational, quality, customer, and performance issues.
• Build strong relationships with customers and suppliers.

Skills

Plant leadership

P&L ownership

Lean Manufacturing

Quality management

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Pernini Legal, Inc. seeks a highly experienced Plant General Manager to lead a complex automotive manufacturing operation in the United States. You will drive production, quality, safety, and cost performance while strengthening customer satisfaction and profitability.

The role requires hands-on leadership, deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing and quality systems, and a proven track record delivering sustainable improvements in a fast-paced plant environment.