Sr Manager, Manufacturing Operations

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? 

As the Senior Manager of Manufacturing Operations for Material Flow, you will oversee the operational planning, performance, and enhancement of the entire value stream within the support operation, manufacturing, and storage areas. Your role involves developing, leading, and coaching both salaried and hourly team members to achieve excellence in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Position

Sr Manager, Manufacturing Operations

Location

USA, LaFayette, GA

How You'll Create Possibilities

Manufacturing Operations:

• Oversee the materials flow for the entire value stream within the plant.
• Develop and manage the annual operational plan/playbook for support operations.
• Drive operational performance and improvement across key metrics: safety, quality, delivery, cost, and culture.
• Align area metrics with overall plant goals and organize resources to meet these objectives.
• Lead a cross-functional manufacturing team, including salaried and hourly team members.
• Direct reports include Planner, Area Leader, Team Leaders, Scheduler, and Part Inventory Team Members.
• Utilize production line boards for performance tracking and issue resolution, ensuring information is communicated across shifts and to management.
• Maintain technical knowledge of operations and follow escalation processes to address abnormalities, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure adherence to Lean manufacturing practices and the Appliance Production System within the value stream.
• Manage department metrics and budgets, preparing daily reports for production meetings.
• Establish and maintain a daily operating rhythm, including start-up meetings and team leader sessions.
• Oversee standardized work deployment and process stability within the value stream.
• Coach and develop Area Leaders and Team Leaders to ensure adherence to standardized work.
• Ensure compliance with Job Instruction methods and 5S standards.

Continuous Improvement:

• Promote and teach the Appliance Production System philosophy, driving continuous improvement.
• Lead work teams to address factory inefficiencies through problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Engage cross-functional teams to resolve issues and reduce waste for short- and long-term improvements.
• Serve as a second-level responder in the escalation process and lead regular meetings to address department issues.
• Champion kaizen events and ensure implementation of countermeasures on manufacturing lines.
• Oversee work area re-balancing using Yamazumi charts.

Leadership:

• Provide active leadership for a cross-functional manufacturing team.
• Set goals for team members and provide career coaching, performance feedback, and talent development.
• Participate in annual performance reviews and lead disciplinary investigations and actions in partnership with HR.
• Recruit resources to meet team needs and develop future leaders.
• Ensure fair and consistent administration of policies and processes in collaboration with HR.

Quality:

• Ensure defect-free production within the value stream, adhering to specifications.
• Monitor manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with the Manufacturing Control Plan and quality standards related to Material Flow.

What You'll Bring to Our Team

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing practices and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated skills in the achievement of business goals and change implementation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we r