Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in the heart of the automotive world, Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to steer the operational future of an industry titan. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, innovation, and profitability within a complex, large-scale manufacturing environment.
As the COO, you will serve as the right hand to the Chief Executive Officer, entrusted with the complete oversight of the company’s day-to-day operations. This includes manufacturing, supply chain management, quality assurance, and production engineering across multiple facilities. You will be instrumental in navigating the industry’s seismic shifts towards electrification, autonomous technology, and sustainable manufacturing.
This is not merely a role of maintaining the status quo; it is a mandate to innovate, optimize, and build a resilient operational framework that will secure the company’s market leadership for decades to come. You will be a key member of the C-suite, shaping corporate strategy, championing a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the seamless execution of the company’s ambitious vision. Your leadership will directly impact product quality, production efficiency, cost management, and ultimately, the company’s bottom line and shareholder value in a fiercely competitive global market.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Operational Leadership
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan. Translate high-level corporate strategy into tangible operational goals, policies, and systems that drive performance and growth.
Manufacturing Excellence
Oversee all manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets for safety, quality, delivery, and cost are consistently met and exceeded. Champion the implementation of world-class manufacturing principles and technologies across all plants.
Supply Chain Optimization
Architect and manage a robust, agile, and cost-effective global supply chain. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers, mitigate risks, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of materials to support production schedules.
P&L and Financial Oversight
Assume full P&L responsibility for the company’s operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and cost-control initiatives to maximize profitability and ensure long-term financial health.
Quality Assurance and Control
Uphold and elevate the company’s commitment to producing vehicles of the highest quality. Oversee the entire quality management system, from supplier quality to in-process controls and final vehicle inspection, ensuring compliance with all industry and regulatory standards.
Technology and Innovation Integration
Drive the operational adoption of Industry 4.0, including automation, IoT, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and create ‘smart factory’ environments.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of VPs, directors, and plant managers. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Implement robust succession planning for key operational roles.
Process Improvement and Lean Initiatives
Spearhead company-wide continuous improvement initiatives. Utilize methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to eliminate waste, streamline processes, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental (EPA) and workplace safety (OSHA) standards. Champion a ‘safety-first’ culture across the entire organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work seamlessly with other C-suite executives and department heads, including R&D, Engineering, Finance, and Sales, to ensure tight alignment and effective execution of product launches, engineering changes, and corporate initiatives.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
We are seeking an elite operational leader with a deep understanding of the automotive industry and a history of transformative success. The ideal candidate will possess:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in operations management within the automotive industry, with at least 10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., VP of Operations, VP of Manufacturing, General Manager) at a major OEM or Tier 1 supplier.
Technical Expertise
Deep, hands-on knowledge of modern automotive manufacturing processes, vehicle assembly, powertrain production, and body/paint shop operations. Experience with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and battery supply chains is highly desirable.
Proven Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead large, multi-site, and culturally diverse teams. A track record of building and developing talent, fostering a positive work environment, and driving employee engagement.
Financial Acumen
Extensive experience with P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning for a multi-billion dollar operation. Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
Strategic Vision
The ability to think strategically and long-term, anticipating future market trends and technological shifts, and positioning the company’s operations to capitalize on them.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to the Board of Directors.
Global Mindset
Experience managing global operations and complex international supply chains is a significant asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent, including:
Executive Salary and Bonus
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial long-term incentive plan (LTIP), including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), to ensure alignment with shareholder value.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Executive Benefits
Includes an executive vehicle program/allowance, supplemental life insurance, and disability coverage.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Paid Time Off
Generous vacation, personal days, and paid company holidays to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continued executive education, coaching, and participation in industry-leading conferences.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented, strategic, and innovative operations executive with the experience and drive to lead the operational future of a premier automotive OEM, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit JRG Partners’ Automotive & Manufacturing executive search practice. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
