Director, Plant Assembly Operations

3M HEALTHCARE; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Appliances in Decatur, AL, seeks a Director of Plant Assembly Operations to lead and optimize manufacturing across safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity. You will drive TPM, Lean initiatives and capital projects, while aligning plant performance with enterprise goals.

The role requires a strong leadership presence, 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, and a proven track record of improving OEE and employee relations in a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or management (or related field).
• 10+ years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles.
• Lean manufacturing experience and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and capital initiatives across the Decatur plant.
• Oversee multi-shift manufacturing operations and ensure achievement of production metrics.
• Drive lean, continuous improvement and TPM initiatives with Facilities & Maintenance.
• Develop and implement the Factory Master Plan and operational roadmaps.
• Mentor and develop leadership talent and strengthen employee relations.
• Communicate plant strategy and performance to senior leadership.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Strong communication

Leadership

Employee relations

Mentoring / developing teams

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or management

Tools

TPM experience

Job description

Director, Plant Assembly Operations

Location: USA, Decatur, AL

How You'll Create Possibilities

• Manufacturing Operations – Lead and drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and capital investment initiatives at the Decatur facility while supporting broader appliance operations.
• Oversee multi‑shift manufacturing operations and ensure achievement of key production and operational metrics.
• Support and execute new product line implementations while maintaining operational excellence.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards for product quality, manufacturing integrity, and operational consistency.
• Foster positive and consistent union and employee relations across the organization.
• Drive collaboration and team‑based problem solving throughout operations.
• Lead all aspects of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), including equipment availability, efficiency, and scrap reduction.
• Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to support and drive Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Promote and lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across plant operations.
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and process efficiency.
• Ensure consistent implementation of Lean tools, workshops, and operational excellence programs.
• Build a culture of employee engagement and continuous learning focused on operational improvement and waste reduction.
• Partner in the development and execution of the Factory Master Plan and operational improvement roadmap.
• Lead training and development efforts to strengthen organizational capability at all levels.

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Provide strong leadership and direction to manufacturing teams to achieve operational goals and business objectives.
• Monitor and improve Assembly Yield, labor efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) performance.
• Establish a strong operating rhythm and drive communication, accountability, and recognition throughout the plant.
• Partner with Finance and senior leadership to align operational goals with financial performance targets.
• Communicate plant strategy, operational performance, and key initiatives to executive leadership.
• Support site environmental compliance efforts and drive sustainability initiatives focused on resource efficiency and waste reduction.

Working Environment

• Work will require some weekend and/or evening work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical related, or management.
• 10+ years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong manufacturing operational background and understanding.
• Relevant experience leading multiple shifts within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow and maintain skilled teams.
• Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong communication skills – will be expected to communicate to all levels of the organization (from the plant floor up to executive staff members).
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive decisions based on the overall goals of the company.
• Strong understanding of employee relations and maintaining a positive employee relations environment.
• Experience implementing and/or operating under Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.