PLANT MANAGER

Professional Search Group, LLC; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive manufacturing firm seeks an accomplished Plant Manager to oversee operations near Chicago Heights. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automotive manufacturing, proven leadership abilities, and expertise in lean practices. Responsibilities include managing production teams, ensuring safety compliance, and driving continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational efficiency. Competitive salary and bonus opportunity offered.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing.
• 3–5 years of experience in a plant management role.
• Strong compliance knowledge with TS 16949 and ISO 14001 standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage diverse team for seamless production.
• Drive daily production targets and quality compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives for cost reduction.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Financial skills

Technical manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related technical field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Plant Manager - Automotive Manufacturing

Salary: $150,000.00 to $175,000.00 + 15% bonus opportunity

An exciting opportunity awaits an accomplished Plant Manager to lead operations in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment near Chicago Heights. This dynamic role requires an experienced leader who can drive efficiency, foster employee engagement, and champion continuous improvement initiatives.

Summary

As the Plant Manager, you will assume total accountability for a product‑oriented operations unit, including full profit and loss responsibility. You will lead a cross‑functional team, drive compliance with safety standards, implement lean manufacturing practices, and maintain profitable operations while ensuring the highest quality standards are met.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a diverse team, including supervisors, leads, and laborers, to achieve seamless production operations.
• Build collaborative relationships with plant employees to foster a cohesive working environment.
• Drive attainment of daily production targets while upholding rigorous quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional departments to optimize manufacturing procedures and systems.
• Enforce stringent safety protocols and policies to ensure compliance within designated areas.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations for direct reports, extending the process to hourly personnel.
• Identify staff growth opportunities, offering guidance and direction for improvement initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts, aiming for substantial cost reductions and improved outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related technical field, or equivalent.
• 7–10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, with 3–5 years in a plant management role.
• Proven track record of leadership in an automotive supplier capacity.
• Strong leadership, planning, execution, technical manufacturing, customer service, and financial skills.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing concepts and compliance with TS 16949 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Proficiency in using PC applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Additional Information

• Drive compliance with company and government Environmental Health & Safety standards.
• Implement lean manufacturing concepts, continuous improvement, and 5S.
• Direct manufacturing operations and support functions, meeting volume and quality goals.
• Analyze manufacturing operations, foster continuous improvement, and maintain positive relationships.

Special Skills/Training

• Completion of Environmental Health and Safety training for self and staff, oversight of programs and corrective action plans.
• Administration of TS-16949 Quality Systems and ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standards.
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems.