Assistant Plant Manager – Global Artisan Innovation Center

Job Description

The Global Artisan Innovation Center (GAIC) unites the former Pre-Production Operations (PPO) for Vehicles in Warren, the Pre-Production Operations for Global Propulsion Systems (GPS) in Pontiac, their counterpart facilities in China, Brazil and South Korea as well as the Cadillac Artisan Center – Home of the Cadillac Celestiq – and Tooling Equipment International (TEI) in Livonia.

In this center of excellence, GM’s Global Manufacturing Engineering (ME) Team is challenging the limits of what is possible and embracing agility to reimagine how to build next generations of Vehicles and Propulsion Systems. Working cross-functionally, we bring together our most talented Skilled Trades alongside ME Engineers, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Program Management and many other areas of expertise.

In this highly technical organization, we embrace new technologies like AI and Virtual Reality, build all GM Prototype Engines, Transmissions, Electric Drive Units, Pre-Production Cars and Trucks as well as hand-build GM’s most luxurious production vehicles like the highly bespoke Cadillac Celestiq and other GM curated Limited Edition vehicles.

Our diverse team combined with our flexible Machining, Tooling and Stamping (MTS) shop enables the Global Artisan Innovation Center to successfully compete with outside suppliers to support GM Engineering and GM Manufacturing with tasks, projects or builds that are not well-suited for high volume plants.

What You will Do

As Assistant Plant Manager in the GAIC Vehicle plant in Warren, MI, you will lead our flagship operations across Machining, Tooling and Stamping (MTS), Body, Paint, General Assembly, Electrical and Maintenance organizations - driving performance, expanding capability and shaping the culture of a highly skilled, highly technical organization that supports all aspects of GM Engineering and GM Manufacturing.

Operational Excellence & Business Performance

• Lead day‑to‑day operations across Machining, Tooling and Stamping (MTS), Body, Paint, General Assembly, Electrical and Maintenance organizations.

• Deliver on all key performance metrics while ensuring safety, quality, delivery, cost and people priorities are achieved consistently.

• Shape and execute business strategies that strengthen traditional workstreams and accelerate growth in new, non-traditional capabilities.

• Own financial performance including budgets, efficiency initiatives, contracts and cost‑optimization efforts.

Strategic Leadership & Capability Growth

• Steer long‑term capital planning and future facility needs backed by business-case development.

• Ensure all building systems, processes and equipment meet GAIC’s high standards of operational readiness.

• Drive enterprise alignment by partnering cross‑functionally to define workstream strategies that support GM’s technology and manufacturing roadmap.

• Provide technical leadership across all GAIC disciplines from machining and formability analysis to advanced assembly and electrical integration, body and dimensional, paint and maintenance.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead a diverse, talented team of salaried employees and UAW Local 160 skilled trades with a focus on engagement, development and inclusion.

• Build a “Workplace of Choice” environment rooted in safety, trust, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Support career growth through coaching, development planning and capability‑building initiatives.

• Set clear expectations and priorities while providing regular feedback, recognition and performance evaluation.

• Exhibit and champion GM’s Winning Behaviors and drive change management for new methods, technologies and future‑focused initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• 7 years or more of experience in manufacturing operations.

• Deep technical background across multiple manufacturing disciplines (i.e. Stamping, Machining, Fabrication, Welding, Assembly, Body, Paint, Electrical, Maintenance).

• 5 years or more of experience leading salaried organizations.

• Demonstrated experience leading in a unionized environment with strong skills in negotiation and relationship building.

• Exceptional organization, communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.

• Strong understanding of OSHA and environmental compliance.

• Ability to work onsite flexibly and respond to urgent operational needs whenever they may occur.

Preferred

• 10 years or more of technical/manufacturing experience in different plants.

• Proven success developing high‑performing teams with strong people metrics and Workplace of Choice results.

• Demonstrated experience driving cultural transformation and business expansion.

• Strong background in project/program management.

• Experience partnering closely with UAW leadership and skilled trades.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in high‑pressure, fast‑changing environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing or equivalent professional experience is required.

• Master’s Degree preferred.

Additional Information

• This leadership position requires the successful candidate to be onsite at the Global Technical Center in Warren (MI) 5 days a week and possibly more depending upon operational schedules.

• Minimal other travel required.

• This role may be eligible for relocation assistance.

• GM does not provide immigration sponsorship for this role.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

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