Plant Operations Manager

Description

Better Trucks. Better World.

Headquartered in Wixom, MI with locations in California, Ohio and Indiana, Workhorse is raising the standard for what a medium-duty truck should be — delivering vehicles, infrastructure, and support designed to work for you. 

About the Role

The Plant Operations Manager is responsible for leading and directing all plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance objectives. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, materials management, shipping and receiving, and workforce development. The Plant Operations Manager ensures the efficient utilization of personnel, equipment, materials, and capital assets while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader with a strong manufacturing background, capable of developing high-performing teams, driving operational improvements, and implementing best-in-class manufacturing practices that support business growth and customer satisfaction.

What You Will Do

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable plant performance.
• Develop and execute operational plans that support company objectives, customer requirements, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality, safety, and delivery commitments.
• Lead daily production reviews and implement corrective actions to address operational challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, and cost optimization.

Production & Performance Management

• Manage production output, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, and overall plant performance.
• Analyze workflow, staffing, equipment capacity, and material flow to maximize operational effectiveness.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, quality, productivity, customer service, inventory, and cost performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve throughput and operational flexibility.
• Establish performance standards and accountability measures across all departments.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion a culture of safety and ensure compliance with all company policies, OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and industry standards.
• Lead initiatives that promote employee engagement in safety programs and risk reduction activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems and customer-specific requirements.
• Investigate incidents, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement in workplace safety and quality performance.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Develop, manage, and control plant operating budgets and capital expenditures.
• Collaborate with leadership on forecasting, business planning, and resource allocation.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities to improve profitability and return on assets.
• Evaluate and recommend capital investments that enhance productivity, efficiency, and plant capabilities.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous learning.
• Support recruitment, succession planning, performance management, and workforce development initiatives.
• Address employee relations issues promptly and professionally while maintaining positive labor relations.

Supply Chain, Shipping & Receiving

• Oversee materials management, inventory control, warehousing, shipping, and receiving operations.
• Ensure timely delivery of products to customers while maintaining inventory accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with supply chain, purchasing, and logistics teams to optimize material flow and inventory levels.
• Support customer satisfaction through reliable delivery performance and responsive problem resolution.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and other operational excellence initiatives.
• Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to identify waste, inefficiencies, and process improvement opportunities.
• Implement systems, technologies, and best practices that improve productivity, quality, and operational performance.
• Stay current on industry trends, manufacturing technologies, and production management methodologies.

Requirements

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of 7-10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, including progressive responsibility in plant operations.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct management experience in a vehicle/assembly environment.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational improvements, cost reductions, and productivity gains.
• Experience managing multi-functional teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, inventory management, quality systems, and maintenance practices.
• Understanding of budgeting, financial management, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental compliance requirements, and workplace safety best practices.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and manufacturing performance reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create accountability, influence teams, and drive organizational change.

Core Competencies

• Safety Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Strategic Thinking
• Continuous Improvement
• Financial Acumen
• Workforce Development
• Process Optimization
• Customer Focus
• Change Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Team Building and Coaching
• Results Orientation
• Lean Manufacturing Culture and Execution

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety Performance (TRIR, Lost-Time Incidents)
• On-Time Delivery
• Production Efficiency and Throughput
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Labor Productivity
• Quality Performance (PPM, Scrap, Rework)
• Inventory Accuracy
• Cost Reduction Achievement
• Budget Compliance
• Employee Retention and Engagement

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to work flexible hours as business needs require.
• Travel may be required periodically to support customers, suppliers, or company facilities.

Position Purpose

The Plant Operations Manager is accountable for delivering world-class manufacturing performance through effective leadership, operational discipline, employee development, and continuous improvement while ensuring a safe workplace, superior product quality, exceptional customer service, and sustainable business growth.

Why Workhorse  

Engineering and Manufacturing for the Work Ahead

Workhorse designs, engineers, tests, validates and manufactures physical products in America’s Heartland. Our work spans battery-electric commercial vehicles and the development of Mobile AI Infrastructure. 

See Your Work Take Shape

Engineering and manufacturing come together at Workhorse. Employees can see their contributions progress from problem-solving and product development to production and real-world use. 

Collaborative, Accountable Teams

Our teams work across disciplines to solve practical challenges. We value respect, open communication and accountability, and employees are trusted to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work. 

Built on Experience. Focused on What’s Ahead.

Workhorse brings established commercial-vehicle experience to new products and applications, creating opportunities to strengthen what we do today while helping develop what comes next. 

A Workplace with Personality

We take our work seriously while making room for connection, camaraderie and fun. At select locations, that includes a dog-friendly workplace in accordance with site guidelines. 

Workhorse Group Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.