Knowledge Operations Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI

JOB SUMMARY:

The Operations Manager – Assembly is responsible for leading multi-shift production operations within a high-volume, unionized automotive manufacturing environment. This role is accountable for driving performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people while ensuring operational stability and alignment with plant objectives.

The Operations Manager leads through a team of Center Managers, superintendents, and supervisors, partnering cross-functionally to ensure efficient production, workforce engagement, and continuous improvement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily production operations across multiple assembly lines and shifts
• Ensure safe, efficient, and quality-focused execution of production plans
• Drive structured escalation and resolution of downtime, quality issues, and production disruptions
• Maintain strong leadership presence on the production floor

Performance Management

• Drive performance across key metrics including quality (C/1000), labor, manufacturing overhead, scrap, downtime, and absenteeism
• Lead daily performance reviews and enforce accountability across all levels
• Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions

Financial Management

• Manage labor performance including staffing levels and overtime
• Drive cost control initiatives related to scrap, labor efficiency, and overhead
• Support capital planning and ensure alignment with operational priorities
• Ensure effective labor absorption and cost discipline across shifts

Engagement

• Lead and develop Center Managers, superintendents, and production supervisors
• Establish clear expectations and accountability across all leadership levels
• Coach and develop leaders to strengthen decision-making and execution
• Drive employee engagement in a UAW-represented environment
• Partner with HR on workforce matters

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance
• Align resources to support production demands and launches
• Drive cross-functional problem solving and issue resolution

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve quality, labor efficiency, and throughput
• Drive implementation of poka-yoke and process discipline
• Use data and root cause analysis to eliminate recurring issues

Escalation & Crisis Management

• Lead structured response to line-down situations and production interruptions
• Ensure timely escalation and communication to leadership
• Support customer communication during critical events

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, or related field preferred
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing
• Experience in a unionized (UAW) environment required
• Strong knowledge of high-volume assembly operations
• Proven ability to lead through multiple layers of leadership
• Strong business acumen and understanding of plant financial drivers

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of high-volume automotive assembly operations and production systems
• Understanding of key manufacturing KPIs including quality (C/1000), labor efficiency, scrap, and downtime
• Knowledge of unionized workforce environments, including UAW labor practices and workforce management
• Understanding of manufacturing cost drivers, including labor, manufacturing overhead, and material waste
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and error-proofing (poka-yoke) principles
• Knowledge of safety standards, quality systems, and regulatory requirements (IATF 16949, ISO standards)

Skills

• Strong leadership and team development skills across multiple levels of management
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement effective corrective actions
• Effective problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage hourly workforce, leadership teams, and customer stakeholders
• Ability to drive accountability and performance through structured management systems
• Organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced, multi-shift environment
• Conflict resolution and employee relations skills within a unionized setting

Abilities

• Ability to lead and influence large, cross-functional teams in a high-pressure manufacturing environment
• Ability to make timely decisions and prioritize effectively during production disruptions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on key operational objectives
• Ability to build and sustain a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement
• Ability to translate plant-level objectives into actionable plans at the shift and departmental level
• Ability to maintain composure and drive performance during crisis situations (e.g., line-down events, labor disruptions)

TRAVEL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Limited travel required; occasional travel may be necessary to support business and customer needs
• Regular presence on the production floor required to support operations, including extended periods of standing and walking
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment and comply with all PPE requirements
• Ability to support operations during off-shift hours or extended production schedules as needed