Direct Auto Jobs in Sylacauga, AL (NOW HIRING)

General Manager - Onsite 3PL (Automotive Manufacturing Support)
Location: Onsite at an automotive manufacturing facility in central Alabama
Position Summary
The General Manager is the senior onsite leader responsible for the full operational, financial, safety, and customer performance of a dedicated third-party logistics (3PL) operation supporting automotive manufacturing. This role owns end-to-end site performance for inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, sequencing, warehousing, and related services that enable just-in-time (JIT) or sequenced parts delivery to the production line. The GM drives profitable growth, operational excellence, and strong partnership with the OEM or Tier 1 customer while leading a multi-shift team in a fast-paced, high-reliability manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Own full P&L accountability for the site, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, labor productivity, and margin improvement.
• Direct all daily operations: receiving, put-away, inventory control, staging, outbound shipping, and returns/rework to meet strict automotive delivery windows and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary onsite point of contact for the customer (OEM/Tier 1), managing service-level agreements (SLAs), KPIs (on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, damage rates, etc.), issue escalation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop multi-level teams (managers, leads, associates) across 3 shifts; work with HR on recruiting, training, performance management, coaching, and retention in a multi-shift environment.
• Champion a zero-harm safety culture; ensure full compliance with OSHA, company policies, customer requirements, and automotive industry standards (e.g., handling of stamped parts, sequenced modules, or finished vehicles/components).
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies; optimize material flow, reduce waste, improve throughput, and implement process standardization (SOPs, visual management, WMS utilization).
• Oversee asset and facility management, including equipment maintenance, capacity planning, and capital recommendations.
• Manage inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and WMS discipline; minimize shrinkage and support traceability requirements common in automotive supply chains.
• Ensure regulatory and customer compliance (quality systems, environmental, and labor standards).
• Collaborate with corporate/regional leadership on strategic initiatives, new program launches, volume ramps, and business development opportunities.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators; take corrective action to meet or exceed safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people metrics.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and significant experience accepted.
• 7-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in 3PL, warehousing, distribution, or manufacturing logistics, with at least 5 years in a multi-shift or high-volume operations management role.
• Strong preference for direct automotive manufacturing or automotive supply-chain experience (OEM, Tier 1, or dedicated 3PL supporting auto plants).
• Demonstrated P&L ownership and financial acumen (budgeting, cost-to-serve analysis, labor planning).
• Proven ability to lead large teams (50-200+ associates) and develop supervisors/managers.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory control systems, and preferably automotive-specific tools (sequencing, EDI, ASN, kanban, or similar).
• Solid understanding of Lean/continuous improvement principles; Six Sigma Green Belt or higher preferred.
• Excellent customer-facing skills, problem-solving ability, and communication skills in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work onsite with flexibility for multi-shift coverage, weekends, or peak periods as needed.
• Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior onsite 3PL or dedicated contract logistics experience supporting automotive plants.
• Knowledge of Alabama-specific automotive corridors and related labor/safety environments.
• Experience with high-volume sequenced parts, module assembly support, or finished-vehicle logistics.
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CSCP, CLTD, Six Sigma Black Belt, etc.).
Equal Opportunity Employer
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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.