Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Site Leader with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained by a globally recognized automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to identify a visionary and results-driven VP, Manufacturing Site Leader for their flagship assembly plant in the Detroit, Michigan area. This is a career-defining opportunity to take full ownership of a large-scale, complex manufacturing operation that is critical to the company’s success and a cornerstone of its North American production strategy. The successful candidate will be a transformative leader, responsible for not just maintaining excellence, but for elevating the plant’s performance to world-class standards amidst the most significant technological shift in the automotive industry’s history.
As the senior executive on-site, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the facility’s safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale. You will be entrusted with complete P&L oversight and the strategic direction of a multi-thousand-person workforce in a dynamic, high-volume environment. This role is far more than a plant manager; it is a strategic business leader who will shape the culture, drive innovation, and ensure the facility is a benchmark for efficiency, quality, and technological adoption. You will be at the forefront of implementing advanced manufacturing processes, integrating Industry 4.0 solutions, and preparing the workforce for the future of vehicle production, including electric and autonomous vehicle platforms. This position demands a leader who can balance day-to-day operational rigor with long-term strategic planning, fostering an environment of continuous improvement, accountability, and empowerment across all levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Site Leader with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
Strategic Vision and Site Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the site that aligns with corporate objectives, focusing on growth, profitability, and technological advancement.
- Assume full P&L responsibility for the entire manufacturing operation, including budget development, capital planning, and financial performance management.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the plant and corporate headquarters, effectively communicating site performance, challenges, and strategic needs to the executive team.
- Cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in safety, quality, and operational excellence, acting as the visible and inspirational leader for the entire site.
- Champion and lead change initiatives, ensuring successful implementation of new processes, technologies, and organizational structures to drive competitive advantage.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
- Establish, monitor, and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational areas, including safety (TRIR, LTIR), quality (PPM, FTT), delivery (OTD), and productivity (OEE).
- Champion a robust continuous improvement ecosystem utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, Kaizen events, and other problem-solving tools to eliminate waste and enhance efficiency.
- Oversee all aspects of the production process, from materials receiving to final assembly and shipping, ensuring a seamless and efficient value stream.
- Direct maintenance and engineering teams to ensure optimal asset reliability, minimal downtime, and the effective execution of a Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program.
Team Empowerment and Talent Cultivation
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented management environment.
- Drive talent management and succession planning initiatives to build a strong leadership pipeline and ensure the long-term health of the organization.
- Oversee all aspects of human resources and labor relations within the plant, fostering a positive and productive relationship with the workforce and union representatives.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.
Uncompromising Quality and Regulatory Compliance
- Uphold and enforce the most stringent quality standards, ensuring full compliance with IATF 16949 and other automotive-specific quality management systems.
- Serve as the ultimate authority for product quality, empowering the team to stop production to resolve quality issues and driving a ‘zero defect’ mindset.
- Ensure the facility operates in strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental (EPA) and safety (OSHA) standards.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Site Leader with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
Core Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical), Operations Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within a large-scale, complex manufacturing environment.
- At least 7 years of experience in a top-level site leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Director of Operations, Site Director) with full P&L responsibility.
- Direct experience within the automotive industry (OEM or a major Tier 1 supplier) is mandatory.
- Demonstrated success leading a large workforce, preferably in a unionized environment.
Leadership Competencies
- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence at all levels, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom.
- A strategic and visionary thinker who can translate broad corporate goals into clear, actionable site-level plans.
- Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and drive transformative change in a complex organization.
- High emotional intelligence with outstanding communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Unwavering integrity, a strong work ethic, and a deep commitment to safety and quality.
Technical and Operational Expertise
- Expert-level knowledge of modern manufacturing systems and processes, including assembly, fabrication, and related automotive technologies.
- Deep proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. A certification (e.g., Black Belt) is highly desirable.
- Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and cost management.
- Familiarity with modern manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, MES, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
- An MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation and benefits package commensurate with the importance of this role. The package includes:
- Executive Compensation: A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity-based) designed to reward strategic success.
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with robust wellness programs and resources.
- Retirement & Financial Security: A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match, plus access to executive financial planning services.
- Executive Relocation: A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package to assist with your move to the vibrant Detroit metropolitan area.
- Work-Life Integration: A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and progressive parental leave benefits.
- Automotive Perks: A company vehicle or a significant vehicle allowance, consistent with an executive role in the automotive industry.
- Professional Development: A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, industry conferences, and other professional growth opportunities.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a proven manufacturing executive with the experience and drive to lead a flagship automotive plant into the future, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidentiality.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. For more information on our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Manufacturing & Operations practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exceptional opportunity.
