Plant Manager

Overview

At Piston Automotive, our Launch Process is at the core of the engineering and operations deliverables.  Launch Managers are essential to the launch process, responsible for being the voice of manufacturing during the process and equipment design and build stages, and directly responsible for operator training, station readiness and overall plant readiness as we build our world class products for our world class customers.   

The successful candidate works with engineering to understand and apply plant, manufacturing process and equipment design standards on time and within budget.  This person provides constructive, timely feedback to the design of these systems to support flawless launch and seamless acceptance at the manufacturing site.  Key responsibilities include reviewing and approving plant layout, material flow, facility and equipment designs as well as working with engineering counterparts to capture key operating challenges incumbent with the new processes.  The Launch Manager is directly responsible for ensuring the plant maintenance, quality and production teams are prepared to implement those processes to stringent quality and delivery metrics. 

Additionally, the Launch Manager collaborates closely with manufacturing engineering and operations teams to capture and apply lessons learned from similar launches, with pace and rigor.  

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive? Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement, Vehicle and Product Discounts

Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering to design and implement world class plant, process and equipment systems on time and under budget while meeting the high expectations for Production Safety, Reliability, Efficiency and Rate as well as Product Quality and Delivery.  
• Develop and implement a training plan for direct and indirect operators as well as salaried team members to ensure everyone understands and is capable of executing their role at and through the launch of the product 
• For greenfield operations, develop and lead the staffing and hiring plan for the operations team, including salaried, direct and indirect personnel 
• For brownfield operations, identify significant staffing or training issues presented by the changes to the operation and ensure those gaps are filled through appropriate hiring and training plans 
• In concert with his / her engineering counterparts, lead process design reviews to identify and implement countermeasures for any potential Safety, Quality or Delivery opportunities for improvement 
• During the equipment install and through the launch of the product, lead daily project review meetings at the plant to keep the team focused on the tactical activities required to execute the launch of the product flawlessly, on time and under budget while categorically focusing on S,Q,D,C,M 
• For greenfield operations, this person will transition to a leadership role at the plant once it has been launched 
• For brownfield operations, this person will be a “carve out” from the existing plant management team. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or a related field 
• At least 8 years of technical experience in a manufacturing or engineering role. 
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in an engineering or manufacturing role 
• Ability to multitask in a flexible environment and communicate effectively with engineers. 
• Travel Required:  25% 
• Experience managing equipment install, Line Debug, and Rate Achievement 
• Pre-Production Build Coordination and Production Line Readiness Experience 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Plant Operations Experience 
• Experience with New Product Launch – Automotive preferred 
• Experience with continuous improvement processes and troubleshooting electrical, fluid, and mechanical systems 
• Ability to read and understand plant, process and equipment layouts and prints 
• Exceptional leadership acumen, ability to keep a team focused and motivated through difficult challenges 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills 
• Must be comfortable as a visible leader.  On the floor or in the conference room, this person must be comfortable setting the course for the team and working through the team members to execute the plan

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at pistongrouptalent@pistongroup.com. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.