Plant Manager U.S. Operations
Greenville, SC
A global manufacturer of automotive products is expanding its U.S. operations and is seeking an experienced and driven Plant Manager with full P&L responsibility and a mandate to scale operations while maintaining quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
The Plant Manager will oversee all facets of U.S. operationsincluding production, quality, logistics, and commercial strategywith a strong focus on OEM and aftermarket automotive filter products.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in automotive component manufacturingpreferably in air, oil, fuel, or cabin filtersand a track record of success in plant operations.
Responsibilities
Operations Management
- Lead day-to-day plant activities including production, quality, maintenance.
- Drive lean manufacturing practices to improve efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with automotive industry certifications and regulatory requirements (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
- Monitor and manage operational KPIs, cost control, and profitability.
- Maintain strict adherence to safety, environmental, and workplace standards.
P&L and Business Leadership
- Own and manage Profit & Loss (P&L)
- Develop and manage plant budgets, forecasts, and cost improvement plans.
- Collaborate with finance and executive leadership to report performance
Sales & Commercial Strategy
- Partner with the global commercial team to execute growth strategies for the U.S. market.
- Support new business development and manage key customer relationships within the automotive OEM and aftermarket filtration sectors.
- Coordinate with marketing and engineering to ensure product alignment with customer needs.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Build and lead a high-performing cross-functional team across manufacturing and commercial functions.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high safety and quality standards.
- Serve as the primary liaison between U.S. operations and global leadership
- Represent the U.S. facility in executive meetings and global strategic planning efforts.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing operations.
- 5+ years in a leadership role with full P&L responsibility.
- Experience managing both manufacturing operations and sales/commercial teams.
- Strong knowledge of filtration materials, media, and standards relevant to the automotive sector.
- Familiarity with OEM and aftermarket requirements, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field (MBA preferred).