Role Overview for Vice President of Manufacturing Operations | Tier 1 Automotive Supplier | Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized, premier Tier 1 automotive supplier in their search for a transformative Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. Based in the heart of the automotive industry, Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing for a company at the forefront of automotive innovation. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with a profound understanding of complex manufacturing environments, responsible for providing the strategic direction and operational oversight for all manufacturing facilities across North America.
This is not merely a management position; it is a critical strategic role that sits at the intersection of strategy, execution, and leadership. You will be the driving force behind achieving world-class operational excellence, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and productivity are met and exceeded. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging lean methodologies to optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency across a multi-plant network. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will be instrumental in developing and executing long-term manufacturing strategies that align with the company’s ambitious growth objectives, technological advancements, and commitment to sustainability. Your leadership will directly impact profitability, market competitiveness, and the company’s reputation as an industry leader. You will be responsible for a significant P&L, managing substantial budgets, and making critical decisions on capital investments to support future growth and technological integration. This role requires a leader who can inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of plant managers and operations professionals, fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President of Manufacturing Operations | Tier 1 Automotive Supplier | Detroit, MI
The Vice President of Manufacturing Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, financial stewardship, and team leadership.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop, communicate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year manufacturing strategy that supports the company’s overall business goals. Collaborate with the executive team to align manufacturing capabilities with new product introductions, market demands, and technological shifts. Drive long-range capacity planning and footprint analysis to ensure optimal asset utilization and scalability.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Lead the charge in implementing world-class lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, VSM) across all facilities to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Establish, monitor, and relentlessly pursue aggressive key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Champion a data-driven culture to identify and resolve root-cause problems effectively.
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for all manufacturing operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, and cost-reduction initiatives. Provide accurate forecasting and regular performance reporting to the executive team. Identify and execute strategies to improve profitability and ensure a strong return on investment for all manufacturing assets.
Quality & Safety Leadership
Uphold and champion a zero-incident safety culture, ensuring all operations comply with or exceed OSHA and other relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations. Guarantee that all products meet the rigorous quality standards demanded by the automotive industry, including strict adherence to IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements. Drive a culture where quality is the responsibility of every employee.
Supply Chain & Logistics Oversight
Partner closely with the supply chain organization to ensure seamless coordination between production planning, material procurement, and logistics. Optimize inventory levels, reduce lead times, and enhance supply chain resilience to mitigate risks and ensure on-time delivery to customers.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber team of Plant Managers and functional operations leaders. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Implement robust talent management and succession planning processes to build a strong leadership pipeline within the operations function.
Technology & Innovation
Stay abreast of emerging manufacturing technologies, including Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, and data analytics. Develop and present business cases for strategic investments in new technologies that will enhance productivity, improve quality, and provide a competitive advantage.
Requirements for the Vice President of Manufacturing Operations | Tier 1 Automotive Supplier | Detroit, MI
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished executive with a proven history of success in leading large-scale, complex manufacturing operations within the demanding automotive sector.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field), Business Administration, or Operations Management is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director of Operations, Plant Manager of a large facility, or VP-level) overseeing multi-site manufacturing operations.
Industry Expertise
Deep and extensive experience within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment is mandatory. The candidate must have a thorough understanding of the automotive OEM landscape, quality systems (IATF 16949), and supply chain dynamics.
Lean & CI Mastery
Demonstrated expertise in the successful implementation of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies across multiple facilities, with a portfolio of quantifiable achievements in cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency gains. Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification is a strong asset.
Financial Acumen
Proven experience with full P&L ownership, including budget development, capital planning, and cost management in a multi-plant environment. Must be financially savvy and capable of making sound, data-backed investment decisions.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate teams at all levels of the organization. Must possess outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to the executive team, board members, and plant-floor employees.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and translate broad corporate goals into clear, actionable operational plans. Must be a forward-thinking leader who can anticipate future trends and challenges in the automotive industry.
Location
Must be willing and able to be based in the greater Detroit, MI area and travel to plant locations as required (approximately 25-30%).
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:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus plan.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the company’s long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Includes access to executive wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A commitment to your ongoing growth with support for executive coaching, industry conferences, and further education.
Company Vehicle
An executive vehicle program or allowance.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary manufacturing leader with the experience and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Automotive & Mobility Executive Recruiters page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers.
