Job Description

Drive your career

Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Our diverse team of talented employees in 39 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better™ by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks #189 on the Fortune 500.

About the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all plant operations to achieve targets in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role oversees Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement activities while driving operational excellence, strategic initiatives, cost optimization, capacity planning, and organizational development to support overall plant performance and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all plant operations to achieve targets in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, and Employee Engagement.
Oversee Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Logistics, and Continuous Improvement activities to ensure operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Drive manufacturing performance through effective resource planning, capacity utilization, workforce optimization, and operational discipline.
Develop and execute strategies to improve productivity, reduce costs, eliminate waste, and enhance overall plant competitiveness.
Lead Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, automation, and digitalization initiatives to improve efficiency and support business growth.
Monitor plant KPIs, identify performance gaps, and implement corrective actions to achieve operational and financial objectives.
Support annual business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and capital expenditure initiatives while ensuring effective cost control and resource allocation.
Partner with the Plant Manager in developing plant strategies, organizational capabilities, succession planning, and long-term operational roadmaps.
Lead cross-functional teams in new product launches, production transfers, capacity expansions, and customer-driven projects.
Ensure compliance with customer requirements, IATF 16949 standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
Build a high-performing culture through leadership, coaching, talent development, and employee engagement initiatives.
Foster strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to support operational and business objectives.
Champion Environmental, Health, Safety, and Sustainability initiatives to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.
Act as deputy to the Plant Manager and provide continuity of leadership as required.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or related field.
Minimum 12-15 years of manufacturing experience within an automotive or multinational manufacturing environment, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing plant operations, production, engineering, quality, or related functions.
Proven leadership experience managing large-scale manufacturing operations and cross-functional teams.
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, Quality Systems, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Experience in budgeting, cost management, capacity planning, and operational strategy deployment.
Demonstrated ability to drive business results, lead organizational change, and develop high-performing teams.
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.