Manufacturing Manager – Automotive Production & Manufacturing Engineering

About the role

We regularly recruit Manufacturing Managers for leading automotive manufacturers. Our executive partner works with a large network of automotive manufacturers throughout the region, including OEMs, Tier 1, and Tier 2 suppliers. Because of our ongoing client relationships, we are consistently recruiting experienced Manufacturing Managers and Manufacturing Engineers for full-time leadership opportunities.

If your background matches this skill set, we encourage you to proactively connect with our recruiting team today. Even if you are not actively searching, we'd like to discuss current and upcoming opportunities that align with your experience and career goals.

Our clients manufacture a wide variety of automotive components, including precision-machined products, fuel systems, powertrain components, electronics, injection molding, metal fabrication, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

If you're an experienced Manufacturing Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Production Engineering Leader, or Continuous Improvement professional, we'd like to hear from you. Our recruiters are continually working with automotive manufacturers seeking leaders to improve production performance, launch new products, and drive operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Manufacturing Managers are responsible for leading production engineering initiatives while improving manufacturing processes, product quality, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement efforts. Typical responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Control Plans, and manufacturing documentation supporting IATF 16949/TS16949 and quality system compliance.
• Lead new product introductions by developing manufacturing processes, equipment specifications, tooling, and production methods.
• Prepare cost justifications and manufacturing plans for new product launches.
• Partner with engineering, quality, maintenance, and production teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Provide technical leadership for assigned manufacturing operations and product lines.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing, quality, and process issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing scrap, waste, downtime, and manufacturing costs.
• Support capital equipment implementation, process optimization, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Lead manufacturing teams while promoting safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement.

Requirements

What our clients typically look for:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering or manufacturing management experience.
• Experience working within ISO, IATF 16949, or similar automotive quality systems.
• Project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to solve complex manufacturing and quality issues.
• Experience implementing process improvements and lean manufacturing initiatives.

Preferred qualifications:

• Automotive manufacturing experience with an OEM, Tier 1, or Tier 2 supplier.
• Experience supporting high-volume production environments.
• Root Cause Analysis training (Shainin, Six Sigma, 8D, DMAIC, or similar methodologies).
• Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Operational Excellence experience.