Overview:
The Plant Manager is responsible for leading a large-scale, complex manufacturing operation within Detroit Thermal Systems, with full accountability for plant performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. This role requires a highly capable leader who can launch, scale, and stabilize operations, while building a high-performing organization capable of sustaining performance long-term. The Plant Manager will lead all functions within the plant, including Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, HR, Finance, and IT.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic leader with strong financial acumen, proven experience in complex manufacturing environments, and the ability to drive results through people, process, and disciplined execution.
Responsibilities:
Plant Leadership & Operational Execution
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Direct and manage all plant operations across Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, HR, Finance, and IT
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Establish and drive standards-based execution, accountability, and problem-solving discipline
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Manage & deliver plant performance across production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety metrics
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Ensure alignment of plant operations with broader business and financial objectives
Launch, Expansion & Transformation
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Lead plant strengthening and Continuous Improvement efforts, urgently addressing any under performance or launch pressure
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Continuous Improvement system leadership and culture
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Lead plant launch, expansion, and/or major modernization initiatives
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Ensure full production readiness, including equipment, workforce capability, and systems integration
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Hold both plant and corporate teams accountable to ensure production-ready systems at handoff
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Maintain strong execution discipline and engagement throughout complex launch and ramp-up phases
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Strengthen Digital / Systems Language and data-driven decision-making
Team Development & Culture
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Build and develop a high-performing leadership team capable of sustaining operations independently post-launch
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Foster a culture that is:
- Lean and process-driven
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Strong Daily management systems
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People-focused and engaging
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Fast-paced in problem solving with robust root cause analysis
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Standards-driven in execution
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Lead performance management and succession planning across all plant functions
Automation & Engineering Alignment
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Lead operations within an evolving automated manufacturing environment, supporting advanced production systems and technology
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Ensure engineering and maintenance teams are built, staffed, and prepared to support automation, uptime, and reliability
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Partner cross-functionally to support continuous improvement and operational efficiency
Materials & Supply Chain Leadership
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Build and lead a strong materials and logistics organization
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Ensure effective systems for:
- Inventory control
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Line-side delivery
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Supplier coordination
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Drive continuous improvement in material flow, cost, and operational efficiency
Customer Leadership
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Serve as primary plant leader for customer-facing engagement, including executive-level interactions
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Lead with confidence and credibility in high-visibility situations
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Ensure delivery performance aligns with customer expectations and commitments
Financial & Business Leadership
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Manage plant-level financial performance, including:
- Budget planning and execution
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Cost control and reduction initiatives
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Productivity and efficiency improvements
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Implement controls over:
- Capital expenditures
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Operating expenses
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Labor and material costs
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Drive measurable impact on cost, margin, and overall financial performance
Facility & Compliance Management
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Maintain plant facilities, equipment, and infrastructure for optimal performance
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Implement and sustain preventative and predictive maintenance programs
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Ensure compliance with:
- Safety regulations
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Environmental standards
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Company policies and procedures
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Promote a safe, clean, and organized workplace (5S)
Qualifications:
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- Minimum 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including plant-level or large-site leadership
- Proven experience leading plant launch, expansion, or transformation initiatives
- Experience operating in large, complex manufacturing environments
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing plant budgets, cost performance, and productivity
Critical Experience Requirements
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Demonstrated experience leading the launch of a new site and/or expanding, transforming, or modernizing manufacturing operations
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Proven ability to build and develop a high-performing leadership team capable of operating independently post-launch
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Extensive experience managing complex launches, including ensuring alignment and accountability across plant and corporate teams
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Experience working in or supporting automated manufacturing environments (robotics, advanced assembly, etc.)
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Proven experience building and leading materials and supply chain teams
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Demonstrated ability to engage with OEM or executive-level customers, leading discussions with confidence and credibility
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Experience leading in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, maintaining composure and driving results through challenges
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience
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Experience supporting high automation / advanced manufacturing environments
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Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification
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Experience in unionized manufacturing environments
