Lean Plant Leader: Automotive Operations Champion

Aerostar Manufacturing; Romulus (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerostar Manufacturing in Romulus, MI is seeking an experienced Lean Manufacturing / Plant Manager to lead our automotive/Tier 1 operations, drive operational excellence, and build high-performing teams.

You will implement Lean tools (TPS, DMS, 5S) and develop leaders while focusing on SQDCPM, safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale. This role enables shaping a culture of continuous improvement across Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience in automotive or Tier 1/2 supplier environment.
• 5+ years of plant or operations leadership experience.
• Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• Strong servant leadership, coaching, and change management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations with a focus on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, and Morale (SQDCPM).
• Drive Lean initiatives including TPS, DMS, and 5S; implement A3 problem solving and value stream mapping.
• Develop and coach leaders while fostering employee engagement and accountability.
• Improve operational performance through waste elimination, process optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AS9100, OSHA, and customer-specific requirements.
• Collaborate across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to achieve business objectives.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Plant Leadership

TPS (Toyota Production System)

5S

A3 Problem Solving

Value Stream Mapping

Gemba Leadership

Visual Management

Change Management

Safety Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field

Job description

Aerostar Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Lean Manufacturing / Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence within an automotive/Tier 1 environment.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a servant leader who is passionate about building high-performing teams, implementing Lean Manufacturing, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all plant operations with a focus on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, and Morale (SQDCPM).

• Toyota Production System (TPS)
• Daily Management System (DMS)
• Gemba Leadership
• 5S
• A3 Problem Solving
• Value Stream Mapping
• SMED
• Visual Management
• Develop and coach leaders while fostering employee engagement and accountability.
• Improve operational performance through waste elimination, process optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, AS9100, OSHA, and customer-specific requirements.
• Collaborate across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience in an automotive or Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier environment.
• 5+ years of plant or operations leadership experience.
• Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
• Strong servant leadership, coaching, and change management skills.

Preferred

• MBA or Master’s Degree.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
• Experience with the Toyota Production System (TPS).

Why Join Aerostar?

At Aerostar Manufacturing, you’ll have the opportunity to lead transformation initiatives, develop future leaders, and make a significant impact on our continued growth. We are committed to operational excellence, innovation, and investing in our people.

If you’re passionate about Lean Manufacturing and building world-class operations, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today!

Aerostar Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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