Automotive Plant Operations Leader: Lean & CI

Professional Recruiting Consultants, Inc.; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Professional Recruiting Consultants, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing setting, preferably automotive supplier.

The role drives safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets with a hands-on leadership style. Responsibilities include leading production teams, implementing Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement, and managing labor efficiency, machine utilization, and KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing complex manufacturing operations; automotive supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting new program launches and production ramp-ups.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Working knowledge of automotive quality systems and customer requirements.
• Experience with financial controls, budgeting, labor management, and operational KPIs.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive measurable operational results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Lead production teams and ensure customer schedules and manufacturing requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor labor efficiency, machine utilization, production performance, and operating costs.
• Lead and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, Technicians, and production personnel.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, customer-specific requirements, and safety policies.
• Lead root cause analysis and 8D corrective actions to address quality, downtime, and production issues.
• Support new program launches, production readiness, and manufacturing ramp-up activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve productivity, and increase plant profitability.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.
• Communicate operational performance, improvement initiatives, and business results to senior management.
• Promote employee engagement, accountability, and a culture of operational excellence.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Continuous Improvement

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Decision Making

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Professional Recruiting Consultants, Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day plant operations in a complex manufacturing setting, preferably automotive supplier.

The role drives safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets with a hands-on leadership style. Responsibilities include leading production teams, implementing Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement, and managing labor efficiency, machine utilization, and KPIs.