Plant Operations Leader — Lean, Quality & Growth

Philips Recruiting Services / Philips Automotive Recruiting; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Philips Recruiting Services / Philips Automotive Recruiting seeks a hands-on Plant General Manager to oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, drive Lean improvements, and deliver high-quality products on time and within budget.

The ideal leader has a proven track record in complex manufacturing, can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution, and develops high-performing teams while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Significant leadership experience within a complex manufacturing operation.
• Track record delivering improvements in quality, cost, delivery, safety, and productivity.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Proven experience leading new product/program launches.
• Financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and plant-level P&L responsibility.
• Able to lead, develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to delegate and hold teams accountable for results.
• Operate in a fast-paced, high-accountability manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for plant operations including production, quality, safety, delivery, and cost.
• Establish and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Ensure targets for quality, delivery, productivity, and cost are met or exceeded.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean principles.
• Analyze processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Develop and manage the plant's annual operating plan, budget, and financial performance.
• Maintain accountability for monthly and annual plant results.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and promote customer-focused quality.
• Maintain a safe work environment and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare for plant emergencies and disruptions with contingency planning.
• Lead, develop, and coach employees; foster trust and teamwork.
• Conduct performance evaluations and set expectations.
• Communicate effectively across all levels and provide coaching.
• Proactively resolve operational issues and conflicts.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships across the organization.
• Provide leadership for new product and program launches.
• Promote a positive, professional, performance-driven culture.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Team development

Financial management

P&L responsibility

New product launches

Decision making

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Philips Recruiting Services / Philips Automotive Recruiting seeks a hands-on Plant General Manager to oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, drive Lean improvements, and deliver high-quality products on time and within budget.

The ideal leader has a proven track record in complex manufacturing, can balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution, and develops high-performing teams while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.