Manager Production

Textron; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Kautex in Detroit, MI seeks a Manager Production to lead plant operations, drive continuous improvement, and optimize safety, quality and productivity while managing the daily production plan and launches of new production lines.

Requirements include a University degree in Engineering, 3+ years of management, 2–3 years leading a center, 1 year commercial experience, HR tools (PMP/IDP), production planning knowledge, and fluency in English. EHS compliance emphasized.

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering or comparable
• Min. 3 years management experience
• 2–3 years experience in leading a center
• 1 year of commercial experience
• HR tools and ability of their application (PMP, IDP etc.)
• Knowledge of production planning methods
• IT skills: AI Literacy, Outlook, Office, SAP and other software
• English language skills

Responsibilities

• Create a continuous improvement culture to ensure safety, quality and productivity
• Cascading targets and strategy goals and objectives to direct reports
• Control of goal achievement
• Identify cost reductions potentials and check monthly achievement
• Management of local customer relationships and requirements
• Engage in introduction of standardized work.
• Use efficiently LEAN/SIX SIGMA and participate in AOP process.
• Participate actively in organizing launches of new productions, approving and receiving of new projects into mass production.
• Center management via key figures and benchmarks
• Management of personnel employment according to economical aspects. Development of subordinates through use of PMP.
• Organization and control of the implementation and use of all regulations laid out by the legislator of the employer
• Create positive working environment and culture to retain employees
• Ensure that all issues regarding EHS and quality are implemented and observed according to IATF 16949. The same applies for EHS and other relevant regulations , in particular ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001
• Ensure that existing and new programs fit to quality and cost requirements
• Coordinate and execute center related audits, internal and external
• Monitor and analyze basic production indicators
• Make efficient use of visual tools in the plant and ensure feedback
• Manage the daily production plan in order to meet the customer's demands with optimum costs and maximum quality.
• Participate in logistic processes, e.g. optimization of material flows.
• Be responsible for identification of needs to invest into devices, for their integration into budget and for monitoring of the defined budget.
• Manage solution of qualitative problems from the customer and towards the suppliers under support of the relevant functions.

Skills

Lean/Six Sigma

PMP

HR tools

Conflict management

Production planning

AI literacy

English fluency

Education

University degree in Engineering or comparable

Tools

SAP

Outlook

Microsoft Office

Job description

Manager Production

Description

Introduction:

Kautex is a global company with over 30 plants in 13 countries. As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of plastic fuel systems and beyond. From battery enclosures for use in hybrid and full battery electric vehicles to autonomous cleaning systems, we are advancing solutions for the era of new mobility. Our portfolio also covers high-quality industrial packaging and cast camshafts. Embracing the transformative venture, Kautex offers highly advanced technologies and services worldwide.

We foster career growth, drive groundbreaking talent programs, and champion equal opportunities and sustainability in our business practices and products. By working together as one team and supporting one another, amazing things happen. We push the boundaries of what’s possible, soar to new heights and reach for the extraordinary, being recognized by prestigious awards such as Fair Company, Great place to work (Silao), MINT minded company, or Ecovadis Platinum. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing more about our values and local benefits.

What awaits you:

• Create a continuous improvement culture to ensure safety, quality and productivity

• Cascading targets and strategy goals and objectives to direct reports

• Control of goal achievement

• Identify cost reductions potentials and check monthly achievement

• Management of local customer relationships and requirements

• Engage in introduction of standardized work.

• Use efficiently LEAN/SIX SIGMA and participate in AOP process.

• Participate actively in organizing launches of new productions, approving and receiving of new projects into mass production.

• Center management via key figures and benchmarks

• Management of personnel employment according to economical aspects. Development of subordinates through use of PMP.

• Organization and control of the implementation and use of all regulations laid out by the legislator of the employer

• Create positive working environment and culture to retain employees

• Ensure that all issues regarding EHS and quality are implemented and observed according to IATF 16949. The same applies for EHS and other relevant regulations , in particular ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001

• Ensure that existing and new programs fit to quality and cost requirements

• Coordinate and execute center related audits, internal and external

• Monitor and analyze basic production indicators

• Make efficient use of visual tools in the plant and ensure feedback

• Manage the daily production plan in order to meet the customer's demands with optimum costs and maximum quality.

• Participate in logistic processes, e.g. optimization of material flows.

• Be responsible for identification of needs to invest into devices, for their integration into budget and for monitoring of the defined budget.

• Manage solution of qualitative problems from the customer and towards the suppliers under support of the relevant functions.

Qualifications

What you'll need to succeed:

• University degree in Engineering or comparable

• Min. 3 years management experience

• 2-3 years experience in leading a center

• 1 year of commercial experience

• HR tools and ability of their application (PMP, IDP etc.), knowledge of managerial and motivation tools, conflict management etc.)

• Knowledge of production planning methods

• IT skills: AI Literacy, Outlook, Office, SAP and other software

• English language skills

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company: Kautex
Primary Location: US-Michigan-Detroit
Job Function: Manufacturing
Schedule: Full-time
Job Level: Manager with Direct Reports
Job Type: Experienced
Shift: First Shift
Job Posting: 09/08/2026, 1:14:55 PM
Job Number: 344245