Automotive Plant Leader: Quality, Delivery & Growth

Hire Consulting Services; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Hire Consulting Services seeks a hands-on Plant General Manager to lead an automotive manufacturing operation focused on quality, cost, delivery, and profitability. You will drive Lean initiatives, manage P&L, and oversee launches from concept to production.

Ideal candidates bring proven plant leadership, strong problem‑solving skills, and a track record of improving performance in a fast-paced environment with ISO and customer-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proven experience leading a complex manufacturing plant.
• Track record of improving quality, cost, delivery, safety, and profitability.
• Knowledge of automotive quality and launch methods (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, Control Plans).
• Strong Lean and continuous improvement background.
• Experience with automotive launches and customer requirements.
• Financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L responsibility.
• Ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for plant operations across production, quality, engineering, maintenance, and safety.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives and customer needs.
• Ensure quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives are met.
• Maintain ISO compliance and customer-specific quality systems.
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, problem‑solving, standard work, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Analyze process metrics to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Establish KPIs and management systems to monitor performance.
• Manage annual operating plan, budget, forecasts, and financial results.
• Own plant P&L and control costs including labor and inventory.
• Respond effectively to customer quality issues and escalations.
• Oversee new product and program launches from inception to production.
• Ensure launch quality processes (APQP, PPAP, FMEA) are followed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, sales, and operations for programs.
• Maintain a safe work environment and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare for emergencies, supply disruptions, and production interruptions.
• Develop and retain employees; foster trust and accountability.
• Set clear performance expectations and coach teams.
• Communicate openly across all levels of the organization.

Skills

Leadership

P&L ownership

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

APQP

PPAP

FMEA

Control Plans

Job description

Hire Consulting Services seeks a hands-on Plant General Manager to lead an automotive manufacturing operation focused on quality, cost, delivery, and profitability. You will drive Lean initiatives, manage P&L, and oversee launches from concept to production.

Ideal candidates bring proven plant leadership, strong problem‑solving skills, and a track record of improving performance in a fast-paced environment with ISO and customer-specific requirements.