Location: St. Joseph, MI Area
Compensation: $125,000 – $150,000 Per Year
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Remote: No Remote
Experience Required: 5–30 years
Benefits: Full Benefits
Interview Expenses: No
Relocation Assistance: No
Total Openings: 1

Job Summary

A profitable and stable automotive manufacturer is seeking a Sr. Manufacturing Manager to lead production operations at a growing automotive supplier. Reporting to the General Manager, this leader will drive safety, labor efficiency, variable-cost control, continuous improvement, team development, and operational excellence.

Company Highlights

• 50+ years of stability in the automotive industry.
• 100% permanent plant workforce with a strong focus on internal development.
• Modern, technology-driven manufacturing facility.
• Incoming new business and opportunity to shape future operations.
• Annual bonus potential and comprehensive benefits.
• Strong focus on developing internal talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the General Manager to evaluate plant P&L and monitor variable costs.
• Direct daily production activities and support 6–12-month operational planning and 1–2-year strategic planning.
• Oversee operations budgeting, labor planning, production scheduling, and material control.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, plant cleanliness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reduce scrap, improve efficiency, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Ensure compliance with quality, customer, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Lead safety programs, employee training, incident investigations, and Workers’ Compensation processes.
• Build and manage the operations leadership team and employee development programs.
• Foster respect, teamwork, accountability, engagement, and collaborative problem solving.
• Manage schedules, attendance, vacations, and consistent application of company policies.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate should expect to spend approximately 60–70% of the workday on the manufacturing floor. The ideal leader is a strong problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced automotive environment, drives continuous improvement, builds engaged teams, and executes plans and projects effectively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; Associate’s degree will be considered.
• At least 5 years of experience in a similar operations or manufacturing management role.
• Automotive supplier experience required.
• Experience in metals manufacturing such as stamping, machining, or fabrication.
• Strong continuous improvement background with demonstrated scrap reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Experience managing direct and indirect employees.
• Experience leading root cause analysis and structured problem solving.
• Experience overseeing 100+ employees in multi-shift operations.
• General knowledge of P&L, variable costs, manufacturing costs, and labor costs.
• Experience with product launches.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Skills

• Automation experience.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Non-union workforce experience.

Benefits & Reasons to Join

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options.
• Annual bonus potential.
• 401(k).
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Paid holidays and vacation.
• Tuition reimbursement and life insurance.
• Stable automotive organization with new business growth.
• Modern office space close to the production floor.
• Cutting-edge plant technology.
• Strong internal talent-development culture.

Location Preference

Candidates local to the St. Joseph, MI area are preferred. The supplied position information states no relocation expenses; the narrative also mentions a conservative regional relocation package, so relocation should be confirmed with the client.