Overview
POSITION SUMMARYThe Plant Manager is responsible for leading a large-scale, complex manufacturing operation within Detroit Thermal Systems, with full accountability for plant performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. This role requires a highly capable leader who can launch, scale, and stabilize operations, while building a high-performing organization capable of sustaining performance long-term. The Plant Manager will lead all functions within the plant, including Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, HR, Finance, and IT.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic leader with strong financial acumen, proven experience in complex manufacturing environments, and the ability to drive results through people, process, and disciplined execution.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Include but are not limited to):Plant Leadership & Operational Execution - Direct and manage all plant operations across Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, HR, Finance, and IT
- Establish and drive standards-based execution, accountability, and problem-solving discipline
- Manage & deliver plant performance across production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety metrics
- Ensure alignment of plant operations with broader business and financial objectives
Launch, Expansion & Transformation - Lead plant strengthening and Continuous Improvement efforts, urgently addressing any under performance or launch pressure
- Continuous Improvement system leadership and culture
- Lead plant launch, expansion, and/or major modernization initiatives
- Ensure full production readiness, including equipment, workforce capability, and systems integration
- Hold both plant and corporate teams accountable to ensure production-ready systems at handoff
- Maintain strong execution discipline and engagement throughout complex launch and ramp-up phases
- Strengthen Digital / Systems Language and data-driven decision-making
Team Development & Culture - Build and develop a high-performing leadership team capable of sustaining operations independently post-launch
- Foster a culture that is:
- Strong Daily management systems
- People-focused and engaging
- Fast-paced in problem solving with robust root cause analysis
- Standards-driven in execution
- Lead performance management and succession planning across all plant functions
Automation & Engineering Alignment - Lead operations within an evolving automated manufacturing environment, supporting advanced production systems and technology
- Ensure engineering and maintenance teams are built, staffed, and prepared to support automation, uptime, and reliability
- Partner cross-functionally to support continuous improvement and operational efficiency
Materials & Supply Chain Leadership - Build and lead a strong materials and logistics organization
- Ensure effective systems for:
- Inventory control
- Line-side delivery
- Supplier coordination
- Drive continuous improvement in material flow, cost, and operational efficiency
Customer Leadership - Serve as primary plant leader for customer-facing engagement, including executive-level interactions
- Lead with confidence and credibility in high-visibility situations
- Ensure delivery performance aligns with customer expectations and commitments
Financial & Business Leadership - Manage plant-level financial performance, including:
- Budget planning and execution
- Cost control and reduction initiatives
- Productivity and efficiency improvements
- Implement controls over:
- Capital expenditures
- Operating expenses
- Labor and material costs
- Drive measurable impact on cost, margin, and overall financial performance
Facility & Compliance Management - Maintain plant facilities, equipment, and infrastructure for optimal performance
- Implement and sustain preventative and predictive maintenance programs
- Ensure compliance with:
- Safety regulations
- Environmental standards
- Company policies and procedures
- Promote a safe, clean, and organized workplace (5S)
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field (Master's preferred)
- Minimum 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including plant-level or large-site leadership
- Proven experience leading plant launch, expansion, or transformation initiatives
- Experience operating in large, complex manufacturing environments
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing plant budgets, cost performance, and productivity
Critical Experience Requirements - Demonstrated experience leading the launch of a new site and/or expanding, transforming, or modernizing manufacturing operations
- Proven ability to build and develop a high-performing leadership team capable of operating independently post-launch
- Extensive experience managing complex launches, including ensuring alignment and accountability across plant and corporate teams
- Experience working in or supporting automated manufacturing environments (robotics, advanced assembly, etc.)
- Proven experience building and leading materials and supply chain teams
- Demonstrated ability to engage with OEM or executive-level customers, leading discussions with confidence and credibility
- Experience leading in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, maintaining composure and driving results through challenges
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience
- Experience supporting high automation / advanced manufacturing environments
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification
- Experience in unionized manufacturing environments
WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this role, the employee will be regularly exposed to a manufacturing environment, including moving mechanical parts and varying noise levels. This position requires regular presence on the plant floor to support operations and team engagement.
