Magna Engineered Glass: World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Manager

Magna International Limited; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Exteriors seeks a World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Manager to lead operational excellence across manufacturing operations, driving CI initiatives and standardized work to boost quality and productivity.

You will champion MAFACT compliance, oversee budget and cross-functional teams, and guide the organization toward world-class manufacturing standards with strong data-driven leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering or Industrial Technology preferred).
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or higher preferred.
• 10+ years in automotive manufacturing/operations, with 5+ years in Continuous Improvement.
• Strong expertise in WCM, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in AIAG Core Tools and advanced problem-solving techniques (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping).
• Experience leading manufacturing process improvements and plant operations initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems (ERP, MES).
• English proficiency with strong verbal and written communication; bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives, interfacing with Magna Group and Corporate WCM teams.
• Oversee Continuous Improvement (CI) program, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, waste elimination, and productivity gains.
• Direct Kaizen events and Standardized Work Processes to foster continuous improvement.
• Ensure plant-wide MAFACT compliance, conduct internal audits, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and improve MAFACT ratings to drive manufacturing excellence.
• Collaborate with leadership to set long- and short-term CI objectives aligned to business goals.
• Manage cross-functional teams to execute CI initiatives and monitor performance.
• Facilitate process design changes and integration of new systems and best practices.
• Develop performance tracking mechanisms to measure CI project success.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

WCM

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

ERP

MES

Microsoft Office

English Proficiency

Spanish (Bilingual)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

ERP

MES

Excel

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection.

What we offer:

At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary:

The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.

Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.

Job Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY:

The World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Manager will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and ensuring the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and productivity within Magna Engineered Glass. They are responsible for leading and implementing continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of excellence in manufacturing operations. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in achieving world-class manufacturing standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead all World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives, acting as the primary interface with Magna Group and Corporate WCM teams.
• Oversee the company’s Continuous Improvement (CI) Program, identifying and implementing opportunities for cost reduction, waste elimination, and production efficiency.
• Direct and execute Kaizen events and Standardized Work Processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure plant-wide compliance with MAFACT, conducting internal audits and implementing corrective action plans.
• Maintain and improve current MAFACT ratings, driving the division towards manufacturing excellence.
• Collaborate with leadership to establish long- and short-term CI objectives, aligning strategies with business goals.
• Manage cross-functional teams to drive CI initiatives, monitoring productivity and performance.
• Facilitate process design changes, integrating new systems and best practices to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Develop performance tracking mechanisms to measure CI project success and maintain alignment with business objectives.
• Act as a champion for CI projects, ensuring effective communication, execution, and timely completion.
• Assist in developing and managing the CI budget, ensuring projects align with financial targets.
• Ensure all CI projects comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations at federal, state, and local levels.
• Contribute to a collaborative and adaptive work environment, adjusting to evolving business needs.
• Responsible for departmental safety performance, including meeting measurable safety goals, enforcing safe work practices, and ensuring compliance with safety policies. Must lead by example and take corrective action when safety standards are not met.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.
• Actively contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment, demonstrating flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs and priorities.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering or Industrial Technology preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or higher preferred
• 10+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing/operations, with 5+ years in Continuous Improvement.
• Strong expertise in WCM, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in AIAG Core Tools and advanced problem-solving techniques (e.g., Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Six Sigma).
• Proven experience in project management, including planning, timeline management, and fiscal oversight.
• Experience leading manufacturing process improvements and plant operations initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to apply industrial engineering principles and data-driven decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and manufacturing systems (ERP, MES, etc.).
• Knowledge of safety standards and compliance protocols in manufacturing environments.
• English proficiency required, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

• Office Environment: Generally 30%
• Plant Environment: Generally 70%
• The employee must be able to tolerate sitting and standing for extended periods of time.
• It requires (Near/Far/Depth/Color) vision in order to be able to tolerate the eye strain associated with working on a computer throughout the workday.
• Must be able to tolerate the use of a keyboard and mouse on average of 6 hours per workday.
• While working in the Plant environment, the employee will be exposed to machinery, moving equipment and material, moderate noise, airborne particles, fumes, and various levels of temperature created by the manufacturing process.
• This role operates primarily in an office and manufacturing facility. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, visit customers, or other specific purposes. Travel requirements for this position are estimated at 5% of time and may include both domestic and/or international destinations as needed.

KEY COMPETENCIES :

A competency is a specific behavior or attribute that enables someone to effectively perform tasks or fulfill responsibilities in a job role. Each competency represents a key area in which an individual must excel to succeed in a role, and Magna Engineered Glass uses competencies as benchmarks for assessing employee performance, guiding professional development, and aligning workforce capabilities with organizational goals.

• Continuous Improvement Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. The ability to apply these principles effectively to identify opportunities for process enhancement, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
• Strategic Leadership: Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to establish clear objectives, policies, and long-term plans aligned with the organization’s goals. The capability to allocate resources strategically and monitor performance to ensure objectives are met.
• Team Leadership and Development: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to build and lead cross-functional teams. A talent for motivating and coaching team members to achieve project goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. The ability to represent the company professionally with customers and suppliers while maintaining productive relationships.
• Quality and Statistical Control: Proficiency in using quality and statistical control tools, along with the capacity to teach and mentor others in these methodologies. The ability to establish performance measurement tracking mechanisms to support project objectives and ensure alignment with business goals.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:

Regular / Permanent

Group:

Magna Exteriors