Search Jobs

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

Overview

A stable, tech-driven automotive manufacturer with a long operating history is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Manager to lead plant operations. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a 100% permanent, multi-shift workforce at a modernized facility, partnering closely with the General Manager to drive safety, cost control, and continuous improvement as the business grows.

What you'll do

• Partner with the General Manager to evaluate plant P&L and monitor variable costs, including direct/indirect labor and tooling cost allocations, to maximize profitability
• Direct daily production activities and lead 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 execution of 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 initiatives
• 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 approximately 60-70% of the day on the manufacturing floor

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; Associate's degree will be considered
• At least five years in a similar operations management role
• Experience working in metals environments, such as stamping, machining, or fabrication
• 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, and cost of manufacturing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with automation
• Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with non-union workforces
• 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 and efficiency improvements

Compensation and benefits

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

Why this role

This is an opportunity to lead a stable, permanent workforce at a modernized, technology-driven plant with strong internal growth potential, while partnering directly with leadership to shape the future of the operation.