Plant Manager, Van Dyke Powertrain Center

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the Plant Manager of the Van Dyke Powertrain Center, you are the "CEO" of the facility. You are responsible for a holistic business operation, overseeing approximately 1,800 employees and leading the Plant’s Executive Leadership Team. You will be a highly visible leader in the local community and a primary driver of Ford’s manufacturing success, delivering high-quality powertrain components that power the future of movement.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

We are seeking a "Servant Leader" who balances deep technical domain expertise with a high-performance mindset. You will be expected to model the Ford Operating System Behaviors to deliver transformative outcomes in safety, quality, and cost.

Please take a moment to review the responsibilities and required and desired skills of this Plant Manager. If you feel you have the manufacturing experience and servant leadership philosophies to be successful, we encourage you to apply. 

Learn more about the Van Dyke Powertrain Center Operations here. For more information about current events check our US Manufacturing News & Updates site.

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

• Safety First: Create a culture of proactive safety, ensuring our most valuable asset—our team members—get home safely every day.
• Standardized Excellence: Lead the implementation of the Ford Production System (FPS). You will "Raise the Bar" by embedding lean principles and structured problem-solving (PDCA) at all levels of the organization.
• Drive Transformation: Serve as a positive change agent, leading transformation and change management efforts to advance the plant’s competitiveness in an ever-changing world.
• Hold the Line: Hold yourself and others accountable for excellence in adherence to operational and behavioral expectations.

Drive Focus: Disciplined Execution & Shop Floor Metrics

• Operational Stability: Ensure the plant meets rigorous production targets, including Jobs Per Hour (JPH), Rolled-Throughput-Yield (RTY), and strict quality standards.
• Data-Driven Results: Leverage data and insights to drive lean improvements. Use "Action-Impactful KPIs" to monitor progress and take proactive action when results are off-track.
• Financial Stewardship: Take full accountability for the plant's Profit & Loss (P&L). Lead cost-reduction initiatives and manage plant resources responsibly to drive profitability.
• Crisis Management: 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

• Labor Partnership: Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with Organized Labor Leadership,  Employee Resource Groups, and suppliers. You will be expected to navigate complex labor environments with transparency and mutual respect.
• Gemba Leadership: Consistently demonstrate empathy by "going to Gemba." Engage regularly with all members of the team from Area Managers to our Hourly Associates on the plant floor to listen, problem-solve, and lead by example.
• Leaders as Teachers: Prioritize the ongoing development and evaluation of employee performance. You will "Plan, Attract, and Develop" the next generation of manufacturing leaders, creating a high-performing team that delivers results.
• Inclusive Culture: Leverage your staff to build an inclusive culture that allows for diverse viewpoints, evidenced by high employee engagement scores and impactful check-ins.

THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WE SEEK

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive operations leadership in a high-volume, high-precision, complex manufacturing environment (overseeing 800+ employees).
• Technical Expertise: Extensive experience in machining and assembly within a tight-tolerance environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Lean Mastery: Lean / Six Sigma certification or demonstrated equivalent experience applying lean manufacturing principles and standardized work.
• Leadership: Proven experience interfacing with both hourly and salaried employees within a union manufacturing environment.
• Financials: Deep understanding of managing a P&L and strong financial acumen.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a technical field.
• Direct experience in Engine or Powertrain manufacturing.
• Experience partnering with a union during a negotiation or contract renewal.
• Deep manufacturing engineering technical capabilities.