Plant Manager - I

Cooper Standard Automotive; East Tawas (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Standard Automotive in Michigan oversees plant operations, guiding the workforce to align with vision and values. You will champion safety, quality, and lean initiatives while driving cost efficiency and on-time delivery.

The role requires 7–10 years of management experience and a four-year degree, with travel as needed. You will lead cross-functional launches and partner with IT, engineering, and other groups to achieve business goals.

Qualifications

• Seven to ten years of prior management experience.
• Four-year college degree or equivalent; advanced degree preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the plant with a clear vision, mission and values to align the workforce.
• Foster engagement and development of leadership staff and ensure a respectful environment.
• Drive safety culture and enforce Total Safety Culture practices on site.
• Oversee quality performance, address customer quality escalations, and minimize scrap.
• Manage financial performance, budgets and Lean initiatives to improve efficiency.
• Meet customer delivery targets, optimize inventory and on-time delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives (IT, engineering, launches) and plant launches.

Skills

Communicates Effectively

Ensures Accountability

Leads with Vision

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Four-year college degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary:

A leader who demonstrates and communicates the company's vision, mission, and values to the plant workforce. Responsible for the overall management, direction and execution of plant operations.

Primary Responsibilities:

Serve as Plant Champion for Vision, Mission, Values

• Align with Cooper Standard Top Priorities
• Lead communication effort with plant workforce
• Serve as primary community partner on behalf of Cooper Standard
• Role Model Cooper Standard Values & Capabilities

Foster the engagement and development of the plant workforce

• Manage, coach and develop leadership staff
• Drive organizational success through performance management system
• Support positive employee and labor relations (union/works council)
• Ensure a respectful and ethical environment

Ensure a safe and environmentally responsible workplace

• Implement and enforce Cooper Standard Total Safety Culture
• Execute 6S

Continually improve overall quality performance of the plant

• Serve as first contact for customer quality escalations
• Execute Cooper Standard Quality Operating System
• Achieve all green customer scorecards/become supplier of preference
• Manage and minimize scrap and containment actions

Optimize financial and cost performance

• Ensure a Continuous Improvement environment in the Plant
• Use and promote the use of Lean Manufacturing
• Ensure correct launch performance
• Identify and implement best business practices (BBP)
• Focus on Net Operations Variance and cost/equ
• Maximize labor efficiencies
• Manage to the plant budget
• Execute Cooper Standard and JV partner initiatives to plan (where applicable)

Meet customer delivery requirements

• Achieve inventory days on hand target
• Achieve on-time delivery target to the customer
• Minimize premium freight

Facilitate plant activities with other company groups (IT, CoC, Engineering, Launch Management, etc.)

• Coordinate implementation of corporate initiatives (SAP, process, product, etc.)
• Act as spokesperson for the plant in corporate activities
• Manage program launches through ClauS (Cooper Launch System) adherence
• May, on occasion, be required to perform duties other than those specified in this description

Education and Qualifications:

• Seven to ten years of prior management experience.
• Four-year college degree or equivalent. Advanced degree or equivalent preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel, as necessary.

Competencies

Communicates Effectively

Ensures Accountability

Manages Complexity

Decision Quality

Drives Engagement

Instills Trust

Drives Vision and Purpose

Total Safety Culture

Quality

Lean Manufacturing

Financial Acumen

Inventory Management

Program Management

Work Environment/Work Conditions:

• Professional Office Environment
• Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
• Equipment used requires proper training on the potential for and avoidance of injury

Cooper Standard is proud of its diverse workforce and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, age, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are dedicated to creating an environment at work that not only values diversity but also encourages inclusion and a sense of belonging. We firmly believe that a diverse workplace fosters an environment where our employees can flourish and provide superior service to our customers.

Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing [e-mail] with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.