Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven General Manager to lead the overall business operations of our automotive manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ontario.
The successful candidate will be responsible for business strategy, financial performance, manufacturing operations, quality management, supply chain optimization, customer relationships, business development, and organizational leadership.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the automotive manufacturing or automotive parts industry, a strong understanding of OEM requirements and automotive quality standards, and a proven track record of improving operational efficiency, profitability, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
1. Business Strategy and Financial Performance
Develop and implement long-term business strategies and annual operating plans aligned with corporate objectives.
Establish measurable business goals and translate strategic priorities into departmental targets and action plans.
Take overall responsibility for business performance, including revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, operating costs, and budget management.
Monitor financial and operational KPIs, identify performance gaps, and implement corrective actions.
Evaluate market trends, competitive conditions, business opportunities, and investment proposals to support sustainable growth.
Provide regular business performance reports, financial updates, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership or corporate headquarters.
2. Manufacturing and Operational Excellence
Oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production, quality, engineering, maintenance, logistics, procurement, and inventory management.
Ensure production schedules, capacity plans, and delivery commitments are met in accordance with customer requirements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, optimize manufacturing processes, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Develop and monitor operational KPIs, including production efficiency, scrap rates, downtime, on-time delivery, and labor productivity.
Lead cross-functional teams to resolve operational issues and improve plant performance.
Ensure effective coordination between manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, and customer-facing teams.
3. Quality Management and Automotive Standards
Establish, implement, and maintain an effective quality management system in accordance with IATF 16949 and applicable customer-specific requirements, where required.
Ensure compliance with applicable automotive quality standards and customer audit requirements.
Promote the effective application of core automotive quality tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
Lead quality improvement initiatives to reduce defects, scrap, rework, warranty claims, and customer complaints.
Ensure timely corrective and preventive actions and drive root-cause analysis using appropriate problem-solving methodologies.
Work closely with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.
4. Supply Chain, Procurement, and Cost Management
Oversee purchasing, supplier management, logistics, inventory control, and material planning.
Develop strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable material availability, competitive pricing, and consistent quality.
Monitor manufacturing costs, operating expenses, inventory levels, and working capital.
Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities without compromising product quality or delivery performance.
Establish supplier performance metrics and support supplier development and risk mitigation initiatives.
Improve supply chain resilience and minimize the risk of production disruptions.
5. Customer Relationship Management and Business Development
Maintain and strengthen relationships with automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, Tier 2 suppliers, and other strategic customers.
Lead or participate in major commercial negotiations, customer agreements, pricing discussions, and contract reviews.
Support new business development, customer acquisition, and expansion of existing accounts.
Identify opportunities for new programs, product lines, and manufacturing capabilities.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to support new product launches, production readiness, and successful program implementation.
Ensure customer expectations for quality, cost, delivery, and technical requirements are consistently met.
6. Leadership and Organizational Development
Lead, develop, and motivate a multidisciplinary management team across manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, finance, and administration.
Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, reporting structures, and accountability mechanisms.
Recruit, develop, and retain qualified employees and management personnel.
Implement effective performance management, succession planning, and employee development programs.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Promote effective communication and cooperation across all departments.
7. Health, Safety, Environmental Compliance, and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with applicable Ontario and Canadian legislation, including occupational health and safety, environmental protection, employment standards, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
Promote a safe working environment and ensure appropriate workplace safety policies, training, inspections, and incident reporting procedures are in place.
Oversee environmental compliance, waste management, and applicable permit requirements.
Identify and mitigate operational, financial, supply chain, quality, and workplace safety risks.
Ensure appropriate emergency response, business continuity, and risk management procedures are established and maintained.
8. External Relations and Corporate Representation
Represent the company in dealings with customers, suppliers, industry associations, government agencies, and other business partners.
Build and maintain professional relationships within the Windsor-Essex and broader Ontario automotive manufacturing community.
Monitor relevant industry developments, government programs, and business opportunities.
Support corporate initiatives, strategic partnerships, and regional business development.
Qualifications and RequirementsEducation
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
A master's degree or MBA is an asset.
Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.
Industry Experience
Minimum of 10 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, automotive parts, or a related industrial manufacturing environment.
At least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a senior management role, such as General Manager, Plant Manager, Director of Operations, or an equivalent position.
Demonstrated experience managing manufacturing operations, production teams, quality functions, supply chain activities, and financial performance.
Experience working with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 or Tier 2 suppliers is strongly preferred.
Experience in automotive stamping, metal forming, machining, assembly, or other automotive component manufacturing processes is an asset, depending on the company's product portfolio.
Technical and Quality Management Competencies
Strong knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality management systems.
Familiarity with automotive core quality tools, including APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
Experience with customer audits, supplier quality management, corrective action systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, root-cause analysis, and structured problem-solving is an asset.
Understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, capacity management, equipment utilization, and industrial cost control.
Financial and Business Management Skills
Proven ability to manage budgets, profitability, operating expenses, cash flow, and capital investment.
Strong understanding of financial statements, cost accounting, manufacturing cost structures, and KPI-based performance management.
Ability to use financial and operational data to support business decisions and improve overall performance.
Strong commercial judgment and strategic planning capabilities.
Leadership and Communication
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong communication, negotiation, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, and senior leadership.
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Professional proficiency in English is required for communication with customers, employees, suppliers, and regulatory stakeholders.
Additional Requirements
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
Willingness to work on-site at the Windsor manufacturing facility and travel when required.
Familiarity with Ontario workplace safety requirements and Canadian manufacturing practices is preferred.
Knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is an asset if required for communication with Chinese-speaking corporate leadership, suppliers, or business partners.
What We Offer
A senior leadership opportunity within the Canadian automotive manufacturing sector.
The opportunity to lead operational improvement and business growth initiatives.
A collaborative working environment with opportunities to work with international customers and business partners.
Competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Compensation: To be determined based on experience, qualifications, and the scope of responsibilities.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from qualified candidates. Accommodation is available during the recruitment process upon request.
Pay: $130,000.00-$150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
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