Plant Manager

Overview

The 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.

Responsibilities

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:
• Lean and process-driven
• 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)

Qualifications

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