Plant Operations Leader: Lean Manufacturing & Safety

AM GENERAL LLC in; Mishawaka (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AM General is seeking a senior manufacturing leader to run daily plant operations, delivering on production targets while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage a diverse leadership team, and partner with supply chain and HR to optimize performance, costs, and workforce development. This role demands strategic vision and strong execution in a challenging, unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including running a large-scale assembly or production facility.
• Proven success managing complex operations, production systems, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of automotive or heavy manufacturing assembly processes.
• Demonstrated ability in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Solid financial acumen.
• Prior experience in a union environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations to meet production targets, quality standards, cost objectives, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure all activities comply with safety policies, environmental regulations, and industry standards.
• Oversee manufacturing processes for vehicle assembly, including body, paint, trim, chassis, and final inspection areas.
• Manage plant leadership team, including production, manufacturing engineering, maintenance, and materials management.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem‑solving methodologies.
• Drive operational KPIs such as throughput, efficiency, first‑time quality, uptime, and labor productivity.
• Develop and manage the plant budget, including labor planning, capital expenditures, and operational costs.
• Partner with supply chain teams to ensure material availability and optimize inventory.
• Partner with Human Resources for workforce planning, employee development and training.
• Build a strong culture focused on safety, accountability, communication, and teamwork.
• Represent the plant in corporate reviews, customer visits, and external audits.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Financial acumen

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Decision making

Union environment experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

AM General is seeking a senior manufacturing leader to run daily plant operations, delivering on production targets while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage a diverse leadership team, and partner with supply chain and HR to optimize performance, costs, and workforce development. This role demands strategic vision and strong execution in a challenging, unionized environment.