Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: General Manager – Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Rockford, Illinois
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / President
Department: Operations / Manufacturing

Position Summary

The General Manager – Automotive Manufacturing will provide strategic and operational leadership for a high-performance automotive manufacturing facility located in Rockford, Illinois. This role is responsible for all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality, supply chain, safety, and financial performance. The GM will ensure operational excellence through strong leadership, process improvement, and a commitment to world-class manufacturing standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve production, quality, and financial targets.
• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality output.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other efficiency methodologies.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align plant objectives with overall company goals.

Production & Quality Management

• Oversee production scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation to meet customer demands and delivery schedules.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other industry quality standards.
• Promote a culture of zero-defect manufacturing and customer satisfaction.

Financial Oversight

• Develop, manage, and control the plant’s annual budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Lead cost improvement projects without compromising safety or quality.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce adherence to OSHA, EPA, and other safety and environmental regulations.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through training, audits, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of managers, supervisors, and production employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and succession planning for critical roles within the facility.

Customer & Supplier Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and key business partners.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through consistent product quality and delivery performance.
• Collaborate with the sales and engineering teams to support new product launches and customer initiatives.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• progressive experience in automotive manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior management or plant leadership role.
• Proven success managing large-scale production operations and full P&L responsibility.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or related continuous improvement frameworks.
• Strong understanding of automotive supply chain management, production systems, and quality standards.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic leadership with hands-on operational expertise.
• Excellent communication, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Proficiency in ERP/manufacturing systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Commitment to safety, quality, and employee engagement.

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