Manufacturing Area Manager

What you will do

We’re hiring an Area Manufacturing Manager to lead a production department within our plant operations. This role reports to the Plant Manager and is based on-site in a manufacturing facility. It’s a high-impact leadership position responsible for driving production performance, team effectiveness, and operational excellence across the assigned area.

This role sits at the core of plant execution—ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met while building a strong, engaged team. The Area Manager plays a critical role in aligning daily operations with broader plant and business goals, helping drive continuous improvement and sustainable performance.

What does success look like

• Lead and develop Manufacturing Supervisors to consistently meet production, quality, and cost targets
• Drive employee engagement and maintain strong labor relations, including in union environments
• Ensure efficient use of equipment, labor, and materials to maximize productivity and throughput
• Own and deliver against department KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Engagement)
• Partner cross-functionally (Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality) to ensure smooth operations and meet customer demand
• Identify and implement process and equipment improvements, including supporting new installations and TPM initiatives

What we look for

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams (Supervisor level or above)
• Strong operational leadership skills (production, safety, quality, cost management)

Preferred

• Experience in a unionized environment
• Lead-acid battery or similar heavy manufacturing experience
• Exposure to Continuous Improvement / Lean / TPM methodologies

Fort Wayne - Distribution Center 

Our Fort Wayne, Indiana distribution center charges, packages and ships the batteries used in cars, boats, motorcycles, and heavy-duty trucks. We opened in 1999 and now employ 130 people and operate six days per week. We are actively involved in our local community and give back through The United Way. 

#LI-RM1

What you get:

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire

• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts

• Parental and caregiver leave programs

• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, and Employee Assistance Program

• Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership

• HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility

• Clarios has been recognized as one of 2026's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the fourth consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction.

Who we are:
Clarios is the force behind the world’s most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials—setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we’re not just making batteries;

we’re shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Discover your potential at Clarios—where your power meets endless possibilities.

Veterans/Military Spouses:
We value the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise developed through military service. At Clarios, those capabilities thrive in an environment built on grit, ingenuity, and passion—where you can grow your career while helping to power progress worldwide. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please apply. Diversity of experience and skills…