Automotive OEM Manufacturing Plant Manager - ITW

ITW (Illinois Tool Works) is a Fortune 200 company and is one of the world's leading diversified manufacturers of specialized industrial equipment, automotive components, consumables, and related service businesses. ITW businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with operations in 55 countries and an employee base of more than 60,000 women and men who adhere to the highest ethical standards. These talented individuals, many of whom have specialized engineering or scientific expertise, contribute to our global leadership in innovation. We are proud of our broad portfolio of over 21,000 granted and pending patents. 

The Smart Components Division is a business group within ITW’s Automotive segment with manufacturing locations in North America. Our Smart Component products are made up of housing and doors, innovative Capless solutions, and charge ports for major OEMs around the world. 

Job Description

The Plant Manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient and cost-effective production of goods while maintaining the highest quality, safety, and compliance standards.  This includes production, process improvements, quality, maintenance, warehouse, and customer service functions.  In addition, this position manages the relationships between the plant, sales, vendors, and all activities related to operations. This position provides strategic leadership and coordination on manufacturing projects in support of the Director of Operations.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Ensure compliance with Company standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, OSHA, safety, and complete on-time delivery at the lowest possible cost.
• Promote and implement 80/20 toolbox projects and continuous improvement efforts to ensure the plant operates optimally and efficiently within the respective KPI’s. 
• Develop, implement, and oversee manufacturing plans and strategies, including capacity planning regarding equipment, training, staffing, raw materials, packaging, systems, and general operations improvements. 
• Manage all facility personnel issues, including staffing, compensation, behavioral problems, termination, transfer, and promotions. Manage, coach, and develop talent. Identify and create training opportunities for staff to build and improve skills.

• Focused on building a positive, inclusive culture where teamwork, trust, and creativity thrive, helping everyone feel valued and do their best work.
• Understand and manage the plant's P&L to achieve maximum financial results for the shareholders including development of facility budget, involvement in equipment purchase, ensuring optimal facility layout, and maintenance costs
• Lead Quality improvement efforts to ensure the product is built to customer requirements.

• Continue improvements in the safety record and increase ownership of the safety program to the operator level. The focus should be placed on improving the tracking and correcting of hazards and near misses, reducing overall hazard opportunities in the facility.

• Manage an effective maintenance program to ensure asset maintenance, critical spare parts accessibility, and inventory cost control. 

• Monitor, report, and initiate action on efficiencies, quality, safety, delivery, and cost results.  Delivers progress and production reports to executive team members as requested.

• Evaluate new product concepts for manufacturing capabilities.  

• Identify, communicate, and drive implementation of capital investments and improvement projects. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university is required. 

• 5+ years of related experience in manufacturing with a minimum of 3+ years of progressive management experience.

• Strong project management experience and facility management experience. 

• Demonstrated experience successfully leading and managing a technical or engineering staff team. 

• Project Manager Professional (PMP) preferred. 

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred. 

Required Competencies

• Critical Thinking - The ability to ask and answer the right questions at the right time. 
• Leadership - the ability to guide and inspire others by effectively communicating, making decisions, adapting to change, fostering teamwork, and acting with integrity and emotional intelligence.
• Project Management - The ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring that objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the required quality.
• Raising the Bar - Continuously pushing for higher standards of performance or results, motivating others to exceed expectations and striving for excellence.
• Development of Strategy - Aligning and implement strategic plans to division FTB, translating strategic objectives into actionable plans that produce desired outcomes.
• Talent Development - Ability to enhance the skills, knowledge, and abilities of their employees. prepare individuals for future roles and responsibilities within the organization, improve performance, and drive career growth.

ITW Smart Components North America is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.