Plant Manager

Dakkota Integrated Systems; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus/incentive pay

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Dakkota Integrated Systems in Chicago, IL is seeking a strategic Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing operations on-site. You will direct production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency and profitability.

This role reports to the VP of Operations as part of the Plant Leadership Team. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in automotive manufacturing with strong leadership, communication, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, operations management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years in an automotive manufacturing environment with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with all levels of the organization including executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead teams, delegate tasks, and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze issues, develop solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and other relevant software tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of daily plant operations, including production, engineering, maintenance, materials, quality, HR, IT, and health & safety.
• Clearly communicate company and plant goals, expectations, and objectives to all employees.
• Lead management meetings, drive corrective actions, monitor performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Champion a Safety-First culture and ensure compliance with safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Achieve profitability targets, execute business plans, and adjust strategies based on risk and opportunity analysis.
• Promote high levels of employee satisfaction, accountability, and professional development.
• Ensure successful launches of new programs, engineering changes, and model transitions.
• Maintain disaster preparedness and facility security in alignment with recovery plans.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure adherence to the Business Operating System.
• Uphold company vision, values, and operating philosophy while complying with the Employee Handbook and CBA.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing/operations management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Why Dakkota

For over 24 years, Dakkota Integrated Systems has delivered excellence through precision‑engineered, build‑to‑order vehicle components from cockpits to fascia assemblies. Our award‑winning team combines advanced lean manufacturing, strong product development, and a highly efficient supply chain to meet customer demands with reliability and innovation.

The role

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Plant Manager to lead all aspects of our manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence. This role is responsible for overseeing production, safety, quality, maintenance, materials, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure efficiency, profitability, and compliance. The ideal candidate is an innovative, data‑driven leader with a passion for operational performance, employee engagement, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. This position is based on‑site at our Chicago, IL facility and reports to the VP of Operations as part of the Operations Plant Leadership Team.

What You’ll Do

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all aspects of daily plant operations, including production, engineering, maintenance, materials, quality, HR, IT, and health & safety.
• Communication & Alignment: Clearly communicate company and plant goals, expectations, and objectives to all employees.
• Leadership & Improvement: Lead management meetings, drive corrective actions, monitor performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Safety & Compliance: Champion a Safety-First culture and ensure compliance with all safety standards, policies, and procedures.
• Financial & Strategic Performance: Achieve profitability targets, execute business plans, and adjust strategies based on risk and opportunity analysis.
• Employee Engagement: Promote high levels of employee satisfaction, accountability, and professional development.
• Program Execution: Ensure successful launches of new programs, engineering changes, and model transitions.
• Risk Management: Maintain disaster preparedness and facility security in alignment with recovery plans.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records and ensure adherence to the Business Operating System.
• Culture & Vision: Uphold company vision, values, and operating philosophy while complying with the Employee Handbook and CBA.
• Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by management.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, operations management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years in an automotive manufacturing environment with progressive leadership responsibilities. Preferably within Just-In-Time (JIT) assembly and sequencing operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead teams, delegate tasks, and manage priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze issues, develop solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and other relevant software tools.

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move freely throughout office and manufacturing environments.
• Capable of performing standard computer‑based work for extended periods.
• Occasional travel required 15%.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Life at Dakkota

Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work‑life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.

The pay range for this role is $150,000 – $170,000 per year. This role is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay. The pay range listed for this position represents a good‑faith estimate of potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location. This range is subject to change in the future and does not guarantee a specific salary.

Our benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.

Explore everything we have to offer at Dakkota Careers!