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Ford

Plant Manager, Van Dyke Powertrain Center

Ford
onsite senior full-time Sterling Heights
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First indexed 25 Apr 2026

Description

As the Plant Manager of the Van Dyke Powertrain Center, you will oversee a holistic business operation, leading the Plant's Executive Leadership Team and approximately 1,800 employees. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality powertrain components that power the future of movement, while maintaining a culture of proactive safety and implementing the Ford Production System (FPS).

Responsibilities:

  • Lead Excellence: Safety, Quality, and the Ford Production System

+ Create a culture of proactive safety, ensuring team members get home safely every day. + Implement the Ford Production System (FPS) and embed lean principles and structured problem-solving (PDCA) at all levels of the organization. + Drive transformation and change management efforts to advance the plant's competitiveness in an ever-changing world. + Hold yourself and others accountable for excellence in adherence to operational and behavioral expectations.

  • Drive Focus: Disciplined Execution & Shop Floor Metrics

+ Ensure the plant meets rigorous production targets, including Jobs Per Hour (JPH), Rolled-Throughput-Yield (RTY), and strict quality standards. + Leverage data and insights to drive lean improvements and monitor progress using Action-Impactful KPIs. + Take full accountability for the plant's Profit & Loss (P&L) and lead cost-reduction initiatives to drive profitability. + Act as a strong problem-solver who can lead effectively under pressure and manage crises when necessary to keep the team moving.

  • Build the Best Team: Labor Relations & Servant Leadership

+ Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with Organized Labor Leadership, Employee Resource Groups, and suppliers. + Demonstrate empathy by going to Gemba and engaging regularly with all members of the team from Area Managers to Hourly Associates on the plant floor. + Prioritize the ongoing development and evaluation of employee performance and create a high-performing team that delivers results. + Leverage your staff to build an inclusive culture that allows for diverse viewpoints, evidenced by high employee engagement scores and impactful check-ins.

Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of progressive operations leadership in a high-volume, high-precision, complex manufacturing environment (overseeing 800+ employees)
  • Extensive experience in machining and assembly within a tight-tolerance environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field
  • Lean / Six Sigma certification or demonstrated equivalent experience applying lean manufacturing principles and standardized work
  • Proven experience interfacing with both hourly and salaried employees within a union manufacturing environment
  • Deep understanding of managing a P&L and strong financial acumen
This listing is enriched and indexed by YubHub. To apply, use the employer's original posting: https://efds.fa.em5.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/61408