Our client is now looking for a General Manager role for a leading automotive company. The role will be responsible for overall plant assembly operations and implementing the manufacturing and quality strategy.

Responsibilities

• Taking overall responsibility for the Automotive Assembly Plant Operations.
• Create and implement best practice manufacturing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance.
• Ensure that manufacturing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets and which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market.
• Ensure the compliance of plant operations towards the local regulations, coordinate for various regulatory approvals, tax incentive procedures and oversee SKD importation related transactions.
• Coordinate local homologation, product compliance, QMS, plant certification, various audits related to plant and manufacturing activities.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities.
• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process.
• Take ownership of the manufacturing policy, guidelines and any associated documents.
• Initiate and develop creative and innovative manufacturing processes.
• Lead, develop and implement variable cost productivity programmes across all areas of responsibility.
• Implement a customer focused operational culture delivering world class customer service levels.
• Coordinate team activities to optimise cost performance of the plant through capital investment programmes, optimising operating working capital usage and minimising waste through the development of a continuous improvement culture encompassing lean principles and clear strategic development.
• Develop and manage master production schedule and operations budgets for products to directly support and ensure that the product is delivered to agreed cost, quality and timelines.
• Drive improvements in reliability for key aspects of machinery by completing reliability studies and identifying best planned maintenance strategy.
• Operate a process for safe selection of external contractors. In conjunction with the Head of Purchasing ensure all external maintenance contracts are regularly reviewed to ensure best value.
• Ensure that Environmental, Health and Safety, manufacturing and quality standards and procedures are adhered to.
• Set SMART KPIs for direct reports and ensure healthy performance monitoring and coaching at all the levels of the plant.
• Develop teams through trainings for the organisational and functional needs.      

Requirements

• Educated to degree level (preferably Masters) in a relevant engineering/manufacturing discipline or equivalent.
• Preferably a Fellow or Chartered Member of an industry related professional body.
• Minimum 3-5 years of demonstrable experience of leading a manufacturing function with a proven track record in strategic manufacturing leadership delivering effective manufacturing strategies, policies, processes and systems.
• Ability to add value, reduce costs and make business improvements.
• Proven project management and build quality experience.
• Experience of operating and influencing at a strategic level.
• Knowledge and technical understanding of automotive processes, components and manufacturing techniques.