Plant Manager

The Automotive Manufacturing Plant Manager role requires an experienced executive well-versed in the world of industrial automotive manufacturing operations at all levels. We’re interested in a leader with demonstrated success in building, mentoring, and managing industrial automotive manufacturing teams from the ground up. The position demands strategic leadership, a decision maker who addresses and solves problems daily while building long-term operational success.

The Automotive Manufacturing Plant Manager is the driving force behind construction, supplier setup, and production readiness which will transform into full site leadership overseeing manufacturing, team development and strategic growth. Training and development will take place internationally and a high level of international travel is required, especially in the beginning phase.

• Manage construction and infrastructure setup to include local contractors, suppliers and service providers
• Oversight of machinery, software and operational systems procurement
• Implement lean manufacturing processes and safety protocols
• Act as primary liaison between U.S. stakeholders and European HQ
• Timely execution, budget control, operational readiness while ensuring compliance with all local regulations (labor, safety, environmental)
• Build, manage a high-performing team across departments
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies in alignment with corporate goals
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, productivity and efficiency
• Manage site budgets, KPIs, and performance metrics
• Represent the company in local partnerships and industry networks

• 4-year degree in Manufacturing Management, Business, Operations, or related field required
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience working directly within automotive manufacturing operations providing hands‑on leadership with demonstrated success in launching and scaling production facilities required
• Strong technical and operational expertise in motor vehicle production
• Stakeholder management skills with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Experienced working across cultures and time zones internationally
• Fluent in English required;
  German or French language skills strong preference
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for training and operational collaboration
• Strong proficiency in using ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JDE, or Epicor)
• Strong data analysis and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written/verbal, formal presentation communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a collaborative team
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Strong working knowledge of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
• Strong technical knowledge of IATF 16949 (global standard for automotive quality management systems focus on defect prevention / continuous improvement)
• Strong technical knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 (framework for quality management to optimize processes/improve customer satisfaction)
• Strong working knowledge of continuous improvement, Lean methodologies in motor vehicle manufacturing required
• Strong technical knowledge of ISO 14001 (environmental management to monitor and control environmental impact)

Access to a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including executive-level ownership. This is a unique opportunity to build a team and lead from the ground up working in a new site for a company culture offering local autonomy and long‑term career growth in a global organization