Plant Manager

SK Automation America Inc.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Founding leadership role

Direct exposure to senior leadership

International collaboration

Job summary

SK Automation America Inc. seeks a Factory Manager to lead the U.S. production facility from setup to operations, acting as the bridge between the U.S. site and China HQ. The role requires automotive manufacturing leadership, strategic direction, and strong problem-solving on the shop floor.

The candidate will implement 5S, KPI dashboards, and standardized workflows, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 while coordinating cross-functional teams across time zones.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive or automotive-tier manufacturing.
• Professional fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end factory setup and launch for the U.S. facility.
• Oversee operations, production planning, quality control, and EHS.

Skills

Leadership experience

Bilingual English and Mandarin

IATF 16949 knowledge

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Location: Kentucky | Type: Full-time | Reports To: GM

About SK Automation

SK Automation is a leading Chinese provider of intelligent automation solutions for the new energy vehicle (NEV) battery manufacturing industry. We design and deliver custom automation systems — including battery pack assembly lines, module integration systems, and intelligent logistics solutions — for top-tier global battery manufacturers.

Position Overview

The Factory Manager is the senior on-site leader responsible for building, launching, and operating our U.S. production facility. This is a founding leadership role — you will design the operational framework, recruit and develop the core team, install management systems, and serve as the primary bridge between the U.S. operation and China headquarters.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in automotive-grade manufacturing, thrives in ambiguity, and is equally comfortable setting strategic direction and solving problems on the shop floor.

Key Responsibilities

Factory Setup & Launch

• Lead end-to-end setup of the U.S. manufacturing facility, including layout planning, equipment commissioning, and production line installation
• Develop and execute the launch timeline, ensuring on-time readiness for first article inspection and customer audits
• Build facility infrastructure in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local regulatory requirements

Operations & Production Management

• Establish and manage all core operational systems: production planning, quality control, inventory management, EHS, and preventive maintenance
• Implement structured management methodologies (e.g., 5S, Visual Management, KPI dashboards, tiered meeting systems)
• Drive standardization of workflows, SOPs, and operational KPIs across all departments

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all products and processes meet IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and applicable customer‑specific quality standards
• Lead internal and external audit readiness; maintain certification compliance
• Build a quality‑first culture with robust root cause analysis and corrective action systems
• Recruit, train, and develop a high‑performing cross‑functional team (production, quality, engineering, supply chain, EHS)
• Set clear performance expectations, establish accountability structures, and foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement
• Serve as the cultural and operational bridge between U.S. staff and China‑based engineering, project, and leadership teams
• Partner with China HQ on process validation and equipment standardization
• Align U.S. operations with global delivery schedules, quality benchmarks, and cost targets
• Communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin with stakeholders across time zones

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in automotive or automotive‑tier manufacturing
• Proven track record of launching or scaling a manufacturing facility (greenfield experience strongly preferred)
• Deep working knowledge of IATF 16949 quality management systems and automotive core tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC)
• Experience implementing structured operational management systems in a union‑free U.S. manufacturing environment
• Professional fluency in both English and Mandarin Chinese — able to lead U.S. teams and communicate seamlessly with China HQ

Preferred

• Background with major Tier 1 automotive suppliers or large‑scale OEM operations (e.g.,Magna，ZF or equivalent)
• Experience in automation equipment, battery systems, or electromechanical assembly
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies
• Prior experience in a startup, greenfield, or rapid‑growth environment
• Understanding of U.S. employment law, OSHA compliance, and workplace safety regulations

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary ($130K–$200K) plus performance bonus
• Founding leadership role with significant autonomy and impact
• Direct exposure to senior leadership in both U.S. and China operations
• Opportunity to shape the culture, systems, and future of a growing U.S. platform
• International collaboration with a fast‑growing, industry‑leading Chinese technology company