Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving three primary markets – passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and off-highway equipment – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Operations Manager

Reports to: Plant Manager

General Description with Scope:

Responsible for the safe, efficient, and successful operation in a defined area of the plant which includes coordinating the labor, productivity, maintenance, and engineering to meet or exceed production requirements and plant deliverables. Success in this role also requires effective communication with other supporting department personnel (ex. Materials, HR, Environmental, Health & Safety, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Program Management, Finance, and DOS) and working within the terms of the union agreement.

Based on the size and complexity of the plant, there are multiple Operations Managers accountable for specific locations and processes (Area) in the facility.

Key Responsibilities/Deliverables:

• Analyze all Area Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to identify areas for top focus then develop and implement plans for continuous improvements.
• Closely monitor production, labor, quality, scrap, throughput, efficiencies, etc… and address issues with the team and supporting personnel as they occur.
• Hold all employees in the Area accountable for doing their job in a safe and efficient manner. This includes the ability to delegate responsibilities effectively, drive team-based problem-solving activities while leading and motivating a diverse group of subordinates.
• Closely monitor equipment uptime/efficiencies and ensure preventative and autonomous maintenance is completed as scheduled.
• Work closely with the Plant Manager on the Open Issues list to develop action plans, champions, timelines, and drive closure to improve overall Area efficiencies.
• Elevate issues to the Plant Manager according to procedure and protocol.
• Attend and/or conduct daily shift, Area, and plant meetings.
• Ensure the Supervisors and Team Leaders follow standard shift to shift handoff protocols.
• Provide an environment and culture where safety is the most important manufacturing consideration. All decisions are based first upon our employee’s safety.
• Ensure a Quality Focused atmosphere where defects are identified, addressed, and corrective actions are assigned to known root causes
• Lead problem solving activities utilizing 8D methodologies with the team.
• Instill and sustain a culture where 5S is way of life that the entire Area shares in.
• Provide an environment supportive of team-based problem solving that facilitates and fosters communication throughout the operation.
• Ensures that company policies, procedures and goals are adhered to. Also ensure that all actions taken are within the guidelines of the union agreement. Ensure that all Supervisors are treating their employees fairly and consistently. Take corrective action when appropriate to ensure compliance.
• Work closely with supporting department activities (Human Resources, Production Control, Maintenance, Quality, Finance and Engineering) to ensure operational throughput and customer satisfaction.
• Assure training and tools are identified and provided, as needed, throughout the operations organization.
• Study production schedules, review performance and customer releases to determine changes in operations schedules as required.
• Develop a strong team with employees cross trained to cover for absenteeism, vacations, and turnover without any loss in efficiencies.
• Ensure that the Dana Operating System (DOS) and established quality system is implemented and maintained per the requirements.
• Ensure all IATF requirements are met for the Area.

• Drive compliance with all Dana Performance Management, Talent Management and Engagement Management requirements.
• Assist the Plant Manager in all aspects of running the business unit as needed and fill in during his/her absence.
• Assist the Plant Manager with the determination and reporting of the (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual) KPI goals and objectives for the Area direct reports.
• Provide direct reports with the tools, coaching, training, and mentoring needed to accomplish goals and objectives. Remove roadblocks to ensure success.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education Required/Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or the combined equivalent of education plus job related experience of at least 5 years.

Experience, Skills And/Or Abilities Required/Preferred:
5+ years automotive manufacturing experience and processes knowledge is preferred.

• Possess Automotive Technical knowledge and understanding
• Strong leadership abilities with a positive attitude and enthusiasm to overcome challenges are required.
• Experience as a Manager or Supervisor responsible for 25 or more employees is preferred.
• Effective teambuilding and decision-making skills are required.
• Ability to effectively lead a group, hold people accountable & provide leadership direction to a business unit
• Effective professional communication and people skills are required.
• Excellent time management, organizational and planning skills are required.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining focus to deliver expected results is required.
• Ability to motivate and drive new ideas is required.
• Lean manufacturing skills are preferred.
• Project management skills are preferred.
• Mechanical ability and aptitude is especially helpful.
• Data analysis and computer skills are required.
• Good working knowledge of IATF or TS-16949 audits and requirements is preferred.
• Union experience is preferred, but not required.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.