APU MANAGER; Autonomous Production Unit

The APU Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production within the Surface Preparation, Automation, and Assembly areas. This role ensures that operations meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, employee development, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience managing high-volume production painting and surface preparation processes, with a strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems, paint application technologies, process controls, and quality standards.

The position is exempt under FLSA and reports to the Plant Manager

• Participate in, understand, support, and ensure compliance with all Company Safety,

• Quality, Environmental, and Regulatory policies and requirements.

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the Surface Preparation, Automation, and Assembly areas to achieve production objectives.

• Monitor, analyze, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, Scrap, and Efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles, problem-solving methodologies, and data-driven decision making.

• Coordinate and collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Logistics, Human

• Resources, and other functional departments to resolve issues, improve processes, and achieve operational goals.

• Oversee production scheduling, staffing, workforce planning, and resource allocation to meet customer requirements and production targets.

• Manage and control labor, material, and operational costs while maintaining profitability and operational efficiency within the APU.

• Support the implementation of new equipment, technologies, automation systems, and manufacturing processes.

• Ensure proper staffing levels through employee development, training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.

• Promote employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and a positive work environment consistent with Company values.

• Maintain accurate production records, performance reports, and operational documentation.

• Analyze production data, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

• Lead daily production meetings, KPI reviews, and continuous improvement activities to drive operational excellence.

• Provide leadership and direction during production challenges, equipment downtime, quality concerns, and customer-related issues.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.

• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive manufacturing experience in a high-volume production environment.

• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing production teams, supervisors, or manufacturing departments.

• Experience with in automotive, industrial, or assembly manufacturing environments preferred.

• Proven experience driving improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity metrics.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher.

• Experience leading automation, robotics, surface preparation, painting, assembly, or related manufacturing operations.

• Experience with KPI development, visual management systems, and performance management processes.

• Experience implementing new equipment, manufacturing technologies, and process improvements.

• Ability to manage multiple…