Role Overview for VP, Plant Operations, North America with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, globally recognized Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a transformative Vice President of Plant Operations for North America. Based in the heart of the automotive world, Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to steer the manufacturing future of an iconic brand. The successful candidate will assume ultimate responsibility for the safety, quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency of all manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In an era of unprecedented change, marked by the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), supply chain complexities, and the rise of Industry 4.0, this position is more critical than ever. We are seeking a visionary leader who not only possesses deep operational expertise but also the strategic foresight to navigate these industry shifts. You will be instrumental in shaping manufacturing strategy, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring that our client’s production capabilities are a key competitive advantage. This role requires a leader who can inspire excellence, foster innovation, and build high-performing teams across a diverse and geographically dispersed network of plants. You will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will be a key member of the North American executive leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the business. This is your chance to leave an indelible mark on a leading automotive company and the industry at large.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Plant Operations, North America with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The Vice President of Plant Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Develop and implement a multi-year manufacturing strategy for North America that aligns with corporate objectives, focusing on capacity planning, technology adoption, footprint optimization, and long-term growth. Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans and measurable KPIs for each plant.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a world-class operational excellence culture rooted in lean manufacturing principles. Drive rigorous implementation of tools such as Kaizen, Six Sigma, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to eliminate waste, improve productivity, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
P&L and Financial Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for all North American manufacturing operations. Develop and manage annual operating plans (AOP), capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets, and robust cost-control programs to achieve and exceed financial targets.
Safety, Health & Environmental (HSE) Leadership
Cultivate a zero-incident safety culture across all facilities. Ensure absolute compliance with OSHA and all other relevant federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations. Implement proactive safety programs and hold all levels of the organization accountable for safety performance.
Quality Assurance & Control
Uphold the highest standards of product quality, ensuring all plants adhere to IATF 16949 standards and customer-specific requirements. Drive a ‘quality at the source’ mindset, reducing scrap, rework, and warranty claims through robust process controls and problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, Shainin).
Multi-Site Plant Management
Provide direct oversight and leadership to all Plant Managers in the region. Establish standardized operating procedures, performance metrics, and reporting structures across the network to ensure consistency and facilitate best-practice sharing.
Talent Development & Team Leadership
Build, mentor, and lead a high-caliber operations leadership team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Develop succession plans for key roles and invest in the training and development of plant-level talent.
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination
Collaborate closely with the VP of Supply Chain to ensure seamless coordination between production planning, material procurement, inventory management, and logistics. Drive initiatives to optimize material flow and reduce lead times.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
Oversee the manufacturing aspects of new model launches, ensuring flawless execution from pre-production builds through to full-rate production. Guarantee that plants are prepared with the right tooling, processes, and trained personnel to meet launch timelines and quality targets.
Technology & Innovation (Industry 4.0)
Lead the charge in evaluating and implementing smart factory technologies, including automation, robotics, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and manufacturing execution systems (MES), to drive efficiency, improve data visibility, and build the ‘plant of the future’.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Serve as the primary manufacturing liaison to other executive functions, including Engineering, R&D, Finance, Sales, and Human Resources. Build strong, collaborative relationships to ensure alignment and drive cross-functional initiatives.
Requirements for the VP, Plant Operations, North America with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and proven manufacturing executive with a track record of success in complex, large-scale automotive environments. Specific qualifications include:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in automotive manufacturing, with at least 5-7 years in a senior multi-site operational leadership role (e.g., Director of Operations, Regional VP, or similar).
Industry Expertise
Deep and comprehensive experience within an Automotive OEM or a large Tier-1 supplier environment is essential. Must have a thorough understanding of vehicle assembly, powertrain, stamping, or other major automotive manufacturing processes.
Lean Manufacturing Mastery
Demonstrated mastery of lean manufacturing principles and methodologies. Must provide concrete examples of leading successful lean transformations that resulted in significant, quantifiable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Financial Acumen
Proven experience managing a significant P&L, developing complex budgets, analyzing financial reports, and making data-driven decisions to improve profitability.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large, diverse teams across multiple locations. A proven ability to lead through influence and collaborate effectively across a matrixed organization.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and long-term, while also being able to dive into the details and drive tactical execution.
Technical Aptitude
Strong technical understanding of modern manufacturing processes, automation, quality systems (IATF 16949), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom.
Location & Travel
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Detroit, MI area. This role will require significant travel (up to 50%) to plant locations across North America.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and the scope of the role.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Meaningful participation in the company’s equity or long-term cash incentive plan.
Executive Car Allowance
A generous vehicle allowance or company-provided vehicle.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your family.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and/or profit-sharing component.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package for qualified candidates.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and paid leave policy.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing education, executive coaching, and industry conference attendance.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for this pivotal executive role. If you are a transformative manufacturing leader with a passion for the automotive industry and a track record of delivering exceptional results, we invite you to apply. Your leadership will directly shape the future of manufacturing for a global automotive powerhouse. To express your interest and begin a confidential discussion, please submit your resume and cover letter. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit our automotive and manufacturing executive search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.
