Sr. Manufacturing Manager

MJ Recruiters; Saint Joseph (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401K and retirement plans

Bonuses potential

Job summary

MJ Recruiters is assisting a stable automotive manufacturer in Saint Joseph, MI, to find a Sr. Manufacturing Manager who will lead production, cost control, and continuous improvement on the factory floor.

The role emphasizes ownership of daily operations, lean initiatives, and safety compliance. The position targets a candidate with 5+ years in operations leadership, the ability to manage 100+ direct/indirect reports, and a track record of cost reduction and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; associate degree considered.
• Experience leading operations and managing large teams.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant P&L and cost management with GM.
• Direct 6–12 month production planning and long-range strategies.
• Oversee budgeting, scheduling, and material control to meet customer demand.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and plant cleanliness initiative.
• Ensure regulatory, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Lead safety programs, investigations, and workers’ compensation processes.

Skills

Problem solving

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Competitive Salary, Bonus, 401K, and More!

Lead the operations of a premier, tech-driven automotive manufacturer with over 50 years of stability, inheriting a 100% permanent workforce and the autonomy to drive team growth and operational excellence!

50+ Years of Stability: Take true ownership of operations for a premier automotive employer backed by a long-tenured GM and a wave of incoming new business.

No Contingent Labor: Lead a dedicated, 100% permanent plant workforce where we actively focus on developing from within and growing internal talent.

Modern, Tech-Driven Facility: Work in a large, newly remodeled office near the manufacturing floor, managing a plant updated with cutting-edge technology.

Great Rewards: Boost your earnings with annual bonus potential and choose from multiple comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.

True Leadership Impact: Step into a role where you aren't just managing—you are leading the growth of your team and shaping the future of the operation.

Profitable, stable manufacturer is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Manager to lead production activity at a growing automotive supplier focused on safety, labor, variable cost and continuous improvement. Daily you will report to the General Manager. Responsibilities will include:

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• P&L & Cost Management: Along with the GM, actively evaluate the plant P&L and monitor variable costs, including direct/indirect labor, tooling cost allocations, etc., in order to maximize profitability and drive cost control.
• Strategic Planning: Direct daily production activities and provide leadership through a 6–12-month planning cycle, contributing directly to long-range (1–2 year) operational strategies.
• Budgeting & Scheduling: Oversee the operations budget, daily labor planning, production scheduling, and material control to consistently meet customer demands.
• Lean & 5S: Drive the execution of Lean Manufacturing practices, 5S initiatives, and overall plant cleanliness across the plant.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Ensure strict compliance with quality standards, customer specifications, and state/federal environmental regulations (including wastewater and chemical handling).
• Safety Program Leadership: Lead proactive safety programs, including employee training, incident investigations, and Workers’ Compensation processes.

Team Development & Employee Relations

• Talent Development: Build and manage the operations leadership team, overseeing training matrices, onboarding, and long-term employee development initiatives.
• Culture & Accountability: Foster a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, and rapid, collaborative problem resolution.
• Workforce Management: Manage direct reports’ schedules, attendance, and vacations, ensuring consistent application of company policies.

The qualified candidate will enjoy spending up to 60-70% of their day on the manufacturing floor, be a good problem solver, able to work in fast-paced automotive environments, thrive on driving continuous improvement, able to build a team and drive engagement and execute plans and projects. The General Manager is anxiously awaiting their strategic operations partner!

The company offers EXCELLENT medical benefits (including dental and vision) available after 90 days, short-term and long-term disability, 401K, paid holidays and vacation, tuition reimbursement, life, and BONUS potential.

REQUIREMENTS for the Sr. Manufacturing Manager:

1. Ideally a Bachelor's degree; an Associate's degree will be considered
2. At least five years in a similar operations management role
3. Experience working in metals environments, such as stamping, machining, fabrication, etc.
4. Experience overseeing direct and indirect reports
5. Experience overseeing at least 100 people in multi-shift operations
6. Working knowledge variable cost, labor planning and labor costs, cost of manufacturing, etc.
7. Microsoft Office

Skills preferred but NOT required:

1. Automation
2. Working knowledge of ERP systems
3. Previous experience with product launches
4. Experience with sales of at least 50M
5. Experience leading root cause analysis (problem solving) and corrective actions
6. Strong continuous improvement background with proven examples of scrap reductions, efficiency improvements, etc.

Reasons to work for this organization:

• Multiple plans for medical, dental and vision
• Stable organization in the automotive industry and adding new business
• Beautiful new office space with a window and close to the production floor
• A plant with cutting edge technology
• This company grows their internal talent

Candidates are preferred to be local to the St. Joseph, MI area. There is a conservative relocation package for regional candidates meeting the requirements.