Plant Manager
About usLAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. We are seeking a results-oriented Plant Manager responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of our Detroit manufacturing facility. This role ensures safe, high-quality, and cost-effective production while meeting customer delivery, quality and launch requirements in a just-in-time environment. The Plant Manager drives operational excellence, develops high-performing teams, and maintains strong customer and supplier relationships aligned with automotive OEM expectations. Key Responsibilities:Direct all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, materials, engineering and logistics.Ensures achievement of SQDC (safety, quality, delivery, cost) targets and KPIs.Lead daily management, capacity planning, and constraint removal to meet customer schedules and launch timing.Oversee Class A surface quality standards for exterior body panels and cosmetic components.Ensure robust quality systems and corrective action discipline.Lead customer interface for plant performance, audits, and escalation management.Drive zero-defect mindset.Champion Lean Manufacturing and waste elimination initiatives.Improve OEE, throughput, scrap, rework, and changeover performance.Lead structured problem solving and kaizen culture across all departments.Optimize labor productivity and plant layout.Own plant P&L performance including labor, material, and conversion cost.Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital plans.Dliver cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives.Support quoting, program launches, and capacity investments.Build and lead a high-performance leadership team.Drive employee engagement, accountability, and performance management.Ensure effective workforce planning, training, and succession development.Maintain positive employee relations.Ensure a zero-incident safety culture.Maintain compliance with ISO/IATF, OSHA/MIOSHA, safety, environmental, regulatory requirements, and department/company policies and procedures.Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field required.MBA or advanced degree preferred.10+ years automotive manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in plant or operations leadership.Experience in a Tier I automotive manufacturing environment, with OEM customer interface.Working knowledge and experience with Class A surface or exterior body component manufacturing (stamping, paint, assembly, etc.).Launch and program management experience in JIT/JIS environment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Strong leadership and organizational development capability.Deep knowledge of automotive quality systems and standards.Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement expertise.Finance acumen and P&L management.Customer-facing communication and negotiation skills.Data-driven decision making and problem solving.Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant environment with regular presence on production floor.Requires flexibility to support multi-shift operations and customer demands typical of an automotive OEM supplier.