Sr. Manufacturing Manager – Automotive

Location: St. Joseph, MI |
Schedule: Full-time, on-site |
Compensation: Competitive salary plus annual bonus potential

A stable, tech-driven automotive manufacturer with over 50 years in business is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Manager to lead plant operations. This is an opportunity to inherit a 100% permanent workforce, partner closely with the General Manager, and drive operational excellence at a facility equipped with cutting-edge technology and a newly remodeled office near the production floor.

• Partner with the General Manager to evaluate the plant P&L and monitor variable costs, including direct/indirect labor and tooling cost allocations, to maximize profitability
• Direct daily production activities and lead through a 6-12 month planning cycle, contributing to 1-2 year operational strategies
• Oversee the operations budget, daily labor planning, production scheduling, and material control to meet customer demands
• Drive Lean Manufacturing practices, 5S initiatives, and plant cleanliness
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, customer specifications, and state/federal environmental regulations, including wastewater and chemical handling
• Lead proactive safety programs, including employee training, incident investigations, and Workers’ Compensation processes
• Build and manage the operations leadership team, overseeing training matrices, onboarding, and employee development
• Foster a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, and collaborative problem resolution
• Manage direct reports’ schedules, attendance, and vacations, ensuring consistent application of company policies
• Spend 60-70% of the day on the manufacturing floor

• Bachelor’s degree preferred;
  Associate’s degree will be considered
• At least five years in a similar operations management role
• Experience in metals environments such as stamping, machining, fabrication, OR automotive supplier experience
• Experience overseeing direct and indirect reports
• Experience overseeing at least 100 people in multi-shift operations
  
  Working knowledge of variable cost, labor planning and labor costs, cost of manufacturing, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Automation experience
• Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with non-union work forces
• Working knowledge of ERP systems
• Automotive supplier experience
• Previous experience with product launches
• Experience with sales of at least 50M
• Experience leading root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Strong continuous improvement background with proven examples of scrap reductions, efficiency improvements, etc.

• Competitive salary with annual bonus potential
• Medical, dental, and vision plans available after 90 days, with multiple plan options
• Short-term and long-term disability
• 401K
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Conservative relocation package available for regional candidates meeting the requirements

This is a chance to take true ownership of operations for a stable, growing automotive employer with a 100% permanent workforce, a newly remodeled office near the production floor, and a plant updated with cutting-edge technology.