Director, Plant Assembly Operations at GE Appliances in Decatur, IL

Director, Plant Assembly Operations Location: USA, Decatur, AL At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.”  As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way.  We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together. The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities. Interested in joining us on our journey? The Director of Plant Operations is a senior leader within the plant leadership team, responsible for driving operational strategy and leading the execution of all manufacturing operations across a multi-shift environment. This highly visible role oversees performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and efficiency while building a culture centered on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Partnering closely with cross-functional leaders, the Director of Plant Operations will lead high-performing teams, support new product introductions, and ensure world-class manufacturing performance through strong employee engagement, Lean manufacturing principles, and operational discipline. This leader will play a critical role in delivering business results while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and workforce development. Position Director, Plant Assembly Operations Location USA, Decatur, AL How You'll Create Possibilities Manufacturing Operations Lead and drive operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and capital investment initiatives at the Decatur facility while supporting broader appliance operations. Oversee multi-shift manufacturing operations and ensure achievement of key production and operational metrics. Support and execute new product line implementations while maintaining operational excellence. Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety policies and procedures. Maintain the highest standards for product quality, manufacturing integrity, and operational consistency. Foster positive and consistent union and employee relations across the organization. Drive collaboration and team-based problem solving throughout operations. Lead all aspects of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), including equipment availability, efficiency, and scrap reduction. Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to support and drive Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives. Continuous Improvement Promote and lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across plant operations. Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and process efficiency. Ensure consistent implementation of Lean tools, workshops, and operational excellence programs. Build a culture of employee engagement and continuous learning focused on operational improvement and waste reduction. Partner in the development and execution of the Factory Master Plan and operational improvement roadmap. Lead training and development efforts to strengthen organizational capability at all levels. Leadership & Business Partnership Provide strong leadership and direction to manufacturing teams to achieve operational goals and business objectives. Monitor and improve Assembly Yield, labor efficiency, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) performance. Establish a strong operating rhythm and drive communication, accountability, and recognition throughout the plant. Partner with Finance and senior leadership to align operational goals with financial performance targets. Communicate plant strategy, operational performance, and key initiatives to executive leadership. Support site environmental compliance efforts and drive sustainability initiatives focused on resource efficiency and waste reduction. What You'll Bring to Our Team Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical related, or management. 10+ years in progressive manufacturing or technical leadership roles. Preferred Qualifications: Strong manufacturing operational background and understanding. Relevant experience leading multiple shifts within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow and maintain skilled teams. Fluent with Lean manufacturing principles. Strong communication skills – will be expected to communicate to all levels of the organization (from the plant floor up to executive staff members). Demonstrated ability to take ownership of deliverables and drive decisions based on the overall goals of the company Strong understanding of employee relations and maintaining a positive employee relations environment. Experience implementing and/or operating under Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system. Working Environment: Work will require some weekend and/or evening work. Our Culture Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities. This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices. By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy. GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization. GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply, please send an e-mail to ask.recruiting@geappliances.com