Plant Manager

Surge Staffing; Cusseta (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Surge Staffing seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead our automotive manufacturing operations in Alabama. The role focuses on driving operational excellence, safety, quality, and on-time delivery while guiding Lean/Six Sigma initiatives and cross-functional teams.

You will oversee production planning, capacity utilization, and continuous improvement efforts to achieve cost and performance targets. A strong track record in automotive environments is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 20+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 15+ years in automotive manufacturing leadership roles, incl. Plant Manager or Operations Manager.
• Proven track record leading large-scale production with strong quality and cost outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to meet production goals and customer delivery schedules.
• Oversee assembly line performance, production planning, and capacity utilization.
• Support new product launches and APQP initiatives for readiness.
• Monitor inventory control and ensure efficient material flow.
• Review annual production plans and communicate performance.
• Develop future production plans aligned with business objectives.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Manufacturing Leadership

Program Management

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

SAP (ERP)

MES systems

Automation/Industry 4.0

Production planning

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations, drive operational excellence, ensure quality compliance, and support business growth initiatives. This role will oversee production performance, continuous improvement efforts, workforce leadership, safety programs, and manufacturing strategy.

The ideal candidate will have extensive automotive manufacturing leadership experience, strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, and a proven track record managing complex production environments while achieving safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

Reports To

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Major Functions

Production & Program Management

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure production goals, customer delivery schedules, and operational targets are achieved.
• Oversee assembly line performance, production planning, and capacity utilization.
• Support new product launches and APQP initiatives to ensure successful implementation and customer readiness.
• Monitor inventory control processes and ensure efficient material flow throughout operations.
• Review, analyze, and communicate annual production plans and achievement reports.
• Develop and establish future production plans aligned with business objectives.

Quality Compliance

• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards, including:
• IATF 16949
• ISO 9001
• ISO 14001
• Promote a culture focused on quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with quality teams to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and improve manufacturing performance.

Safety & Environmental Health

• Establish and maintain a strong workplace safety culture.
• Lead and support EHS initiatives, safety programs, and compliance activities.
• Chair EHS steering committees and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Promote employee awareness and accountability regarding safety practices.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Implement data-driven solutions to improve plant profitability and performance.

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Provide leadership and direction to department managers, supervisors, and production teams.
• Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, training, performance management, and employee development.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives.

Essential Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 20+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 15+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing leadership, including Plant Manager or Operations Manager responsibilities.
• Proven experience managing large-scale production operations.
• Strong background in automotive manufacturing processes, quality systems, and operational improvement.

Technical Skills

• Experience with ERP and MES systems, including SAP or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of manufacturing automation, digital integration, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and manufacturing analytics.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and decision-making authority for production employees during emergency or contingency situations.
• Partner with department leaders, production managers, team leaders, and employees to achieve organizational objectives.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by senior management.

Organizational Relationships

The Plant Manager works closely with:

• Department Heads
• Production Managers
• Manufacturing Employees
• Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations Teams

Personal Characteristics

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Proactive planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong quality mindset and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This job description is intended to outline the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position. Duties may be modified or expanded by senior management as business needs evolve.