Director, Plant Assembly Operations

Position Overview

Director of Plant Operations is a senior leader responsible for driving operational strategy and leading execution of all manufacturing operations across a multi‑shift environment. This role oversees safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and efficiency while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Lead and drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and capital investment initiatives at the Decatur facility while supporting broader appliance operations.

• Oversee multi‑shift manufacturing operations and ensure achievement of key production and operational metrics.
• Support and execute new product line implementations while maintaining operational excellence.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards for product quality, manufacturing integrity, and operational consistency.
• Foster positive and consistent union and employee relations across the organization.
• Drive collaboration and team‑based problem solving throughout operations.
• Lead all aspects of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), including equipment availability, efficiency, and scrap reduction.
• Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to support and drive Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives.

• Promote and lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across plant operations.
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and process efficiency.
• Ensure consistent implementation of Lean tools, workshops, and operational excellence programs.
• Build a culture of employee engagement and continuous learning focused on operational improvement and waste reduction.
• Partner in the development and execution of the Factory Master Plan and operational improvement roadmap.
• Lead training and development efforts to strengthen organizational capability at all levels.

• Provide strong leadership and direction to manufacturing teams to achieve operational goals and business objectives.
• Monitor and improve Assembly Yield, labor efficiency, and OEE performance.
• Establish a strong operating rhythm and drive communication, accountability, and recognition throughout the plant.
• Partner with Finance and senior leadership to align operational goals with financial performance targets.
• Communicate plant strategy, operational performance, and key initiatives to executive leadership.
• Support site environmental compliance efforts and drive sustainability initiatives focused on resource efficiency and waste reduction.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical related field, or management.
• 10+ years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles.

• Strong manufacturing operational background and understanding.
• Relevant experience leading multiple shifts within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow, and maintain skilled teams.
• Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong communication skills – expected to communicate to all levels of the organization, from the plant floor up to executive staff members.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive decisions based on the overall goals of the company.
• Strong understanding of employee relations and maintaining a positive employee relations environment.
• Experience implementing and/or operating under a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system.

Work will require some weekend and/or evening work.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.