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# VP, Plant Management with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI



Role Overview for VP, Plant Management with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized Tier-1 Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Plant Management. Based in the heart of the automotive world, Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is critical to the company’s continued success and market leadership. The successful candidate will assume ultimate responsibility for the overall performance, strategic direction, and operational excellence of multiple manufacturing facilities. This is a transformative opportunity for a seasoned manufacturing executive to make a significant impact on a large-scale operation, driving innovation, efficiency, and a culture of continuous improvement.
As the VP of Plant Management, you will be the linchpin connecting corporate strategy with plant-floor execution. You will be tasked with orchestrating a complex network of production, quality, supply chain, and engineering functions to meet and exceed ambitious business objectives. Your leadership will directly influence product quality, production efficiency, cost management, employee safety, and ultimately, profitability. We are seeking a leader who not only possesses deep technical expertise in modern automotive manufacturing but also has a proven track record of inspiring and developing high-performing teams.
You will champion a culture of safety, quality, and accountability, ensuring that our facilities are not only productive but also exemplary places to work. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to navigate the challenges of a dynamic global market, from supply chain disruptions to the integration of new technologies like electrification and autonomous vehicle components. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our manufacturing footprint, ensuring it remains agile, competitive, and at the forefront of the industry.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Plant Management with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The Vice President of Plant Management will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in key performance indicators across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Strategic Leadership & Planning

Develop and execute a multi-year manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business goals and technology roadmap.
Lead the annual operating plan (AOP) and budgeting process for all plants, ensuring financial targets are met through rigorous cost control and efficiency gains.
Drive capital expenditure (CapEx) planning and justification for new equipment, technology upgrades, and facility expansions to support growth and innovation.
Champion long-range capacity planning to ensure manufacturing capabilities can meet future product demand and market shifts.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Implement and sustain a world-class operational excellence program built on lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Oversee all plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, supply chain, and logistics, to ensure optimal performance and resource utilization.
Drive key performance indicator (KPI) improvements across all facilities, focusing on Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Time Through (FTT), on-time delivery, and inventory turns.
Identify and eliminate waste throughout the value stream, fostering a culture where every employee is engaged in process improvement.

Financial & P&L Management

Hold full P&L responsibility for the manufacturing division, managing budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Analyze financial data and operational metrics to identify trends, pinpoint areas for cost reduction, and implement corrective actions.
Ensure robust financial controls are in place and adhered to across all plant locations.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

Champion a zero-incident safety culture, ensuring all facilities comply with OSHA and internal safety regulations and best practices.
Uphold the highest standards of product quality, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, customer-specific requirements, and other industry standards.
Lead the quality assurance teams to reduce scrap, rework, and customer complaints through proactive and preventative measures.
Ensure all operations are in compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Provide strong, visible leadership to a large, multi-site organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement.
Mentor and develop the plant leadership teams, building a robust talent pipeline for future growth.
Lead labor relations strategies and negotiations in a unionized environment, building a constructive and positive relationship with union leadership.
Implement effective performance management, succession planning, and training programs to enhance the capabilities of the manufacturing workforce.

Requirements for the VP, Plant Management with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and dynamic manufacturing executive with a deep understanding of the automotive industry and a passion for operational excellence. We are looking for a leader who can balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or an advanced technical degree is highly preferred.
Experience

A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within a complex, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment (OEM or Tier-1 supplier).
At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior plant management or multi-site operational leadership role with full P&L responsibility.
Demonstrated experience managing in a unionized environment, including contract negotiations and grievance resolution.
Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale change initiatives and business transformations.

Technical Skills

Expert-level knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification is a plus), and other continuous improvement tools.
Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, CapEx management, and cost accounting in a manufacturing setting.
Deep understanding of modern automotive production systems, including assembly, machining, stamping, and powertrain operations.
Proficiency with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Mindset: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and develop robust strategies to achieve competitive advantage.
Results Orientation
A relentless drive to achieve and exceed goals, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and measurable outcomes.
Inspirational Leadership
The ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams and create a positive, engaged work culture.
Exceptional Communication
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom.
Problem-Solving
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify root causes and implement effective, sustainable solutions.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive six-figure salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual incentive bonus tied to company and individual performance.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the company’s equity program (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and paid sick leave policy.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Executive Perks
Includes a company car allowance, professional development budget, and other executive-level benefits.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformational manufacturing leader ready to take on a new challenge with a premier automotive OEM, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the automotive and manufacturing sectors. To learn more about our expertise and explore other opportunities, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.