Manufacturing Area Manager

Clarios

$80K — $110K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 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 in production, safety, quality, and cost management
  • Preferred: Experience in a unionized environment
  • Preferred: Lead-acid battery or similar heavy manufacturing experience
  • Preferred: Exposure to Continuous Improvement / Lean / TPM methodologies

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop Manufacturing Supervisors to achieve production, quality, and cost targets
  • Drive employee engagement and maintain robust labor relations in unionized settings
  • Ensure efficient use of equipment, labor, and materials to maximize productivity
  • Own and deliver against departmental KPIs such as Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Engagement
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure smooth operations
  • Identify and implement process improvements and support new installations and TPM initiatives

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision care coverage starting on date of hire
  • 401(k) savings plan with company matching
  • Tuition reimbursement and other perks
  • Parental and caregiver leave programs
  • Comprehensive benefits including paid time off and flexible spending
  • Recognition as one of 2026's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere
  • Work environment features sustainability certifications and onsite amenities
Full Job Description
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.


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