EV Plant Operations Lead — Lean, Safety & Growth

Socket.dev; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Workhorse Group Inc. is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to lead all manufacturing activities, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and optimize costs at our Indiana-area operations.

You will shape strategy across engineering, maintenance, materials, shipping, and workforce development. The role requires hands-on leadership, a strong manufacturing background, and a proven track record of building high-performing teams and implementing best-in-class practices to support growth and customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, with progressive responsibility in plant operations.
• 5+ years of direct management experience in a vehicle/assembly environment.
• Proven success in driving operational improvements, cost reductions, and productivity gains.
• Experience leading multi-functional teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable plant performance.
• Develop and execute operational plans that support company objectives, customer requirements, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality, safety, and delivery commitments.
• Lead daily production reviews and implement corrective actions to address operational challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
• Manage production output, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and overall plant performance.
• Analyze workflow, staffing, equipment capacity, and material flow to maximize operational effectiveness.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including safety, quality, productivity, customer service, inventory, and cost performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve throughput and operational flexibility.
• Establish performance standards and accountability measures across all departments.
• Champion safety and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental requirements, and industry standards.
• Lead initiatives that promote employee engagement in safety programs and risk reduction activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems and customer-specific requirements.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in safety and quality.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.
• Develop, manage, and control plant operating budgets and capital expenditures.
• Collaborate with leadership on forecasting, business planning, and resource allocation.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities to improve profitability and return on assets.
• Evaluate and recommend capital investments that enhance productivity, efficiency, and plant capabilities.
• Build, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Support recruitment, succession planning, performance management, and workforce development.
• Address employee relations issues promptly and professionally while maintaining positive labor relations.
• Oversee materials management, inventory control, warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations.
• Ensure timely delivery of products to customers while maintaining inventory accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with supply chain, purchasing, and logistics teams to optimize material flow and inventory levels.
• Support customer satisfaction through reliable delivery performance and responsive problem resolution.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and other operational excellence initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to identify waste, inefficiencies, and process improvement opportunities.
• Implement systems, technologies, and best practices that improve productivity, quality, and operational performance.
• Stay current on industry trends, manufacturing technologies, and production management methodologies.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Safety & Compliance

ERP Systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Workhorse Group Inc. is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to lead all manufacturing activities, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and optimize costs at our Indiana-area operations.

You will shape strategy across engineering, maintenance, materials, shipping, and workforce development. The role requires hands-on leadership, a strong manufacturing background, and a proven track record of building high-performing teams and implementing best-in-class practices to support growth and customer