Plant Operations Manager

Ajulia Executive Search; Ontario (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajulia Executive Search is seeking a senior quality leader for automotive manufacturing with a strong track record in Lean and Six Sigma. You will drive global initiatives, coach cross-functional teams, and ensure safety, quality, and efficiency across sites.

The role emphasizes change management and strategic process standardization in a complex matrix environment. Ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in a related field, with MBA preferred, and 8+ years of leadership in automotive quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field.
• 8+ years of quality leadership experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Proven success leading global teams in complex matrix organizations.
• Strong background in process development and standardization.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence; Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for targets across safety, quality, compliance, cost control, productivity, and schedule attainment.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to raise performance while upholding quality and safety.
• Enforce policies and address performance issues with corrective actions as needed.
• Serve as the communication link between leadership and production teams for collaboration.
• Champion Lean and continuous improvement via cross-functional projects and problem solving.

Skills

Quality leadership

Global teams

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

Change management

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations

MBA preferred

Job description

• Accountable for overall department performance, ensuring targets for safety, quality, compliance, cost control, productivity, and schedule attainment are consistently achieved
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to improve individual and team performance while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and operational excellence
• Enforce company policies, procedures, and work rules, addressing performance issues and ensuring compliance through appropriate corrective actions
• Serve as the key communication link between leadership and production teams, fostering collaboration, engagement, and strong employee relations across departments and facilities
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives by leading projects, managing performance metrics, facilitating root-cause problem solving, and providing cross-functional leadership across Production, Quality, Materials, and Lean operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of quality leadership experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within OEM or Tier 1 supplier environments
• Proven success leading global teams, driving change management initiatives, and working effectively in complex matrix organizations
• Strong background in process development, standardization, and securing organizational buy-in for new initiatives and continuous improvement programs
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence, including Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred)