Position Title: Plant Manager/VP
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Professional Direct Hire
Description: Plant Manager Automotive Assembly
Location: Greenville County, South Carolina (Domestic & International Travel up to 10%)
Company: Isuzu North America Corporation
Excellent opportunity for a Plant Manager with the recently announced start-up of the Isuzu commercial truck facility in Piedmont. This role offers the chance to lead a major greenfield operation for one of the global leaders in commercial vehicles. The position is ideal for a strategic operations leader ready to shape a new assembly plant from the ground up while collaborating with international partners and aligning with Japanese business culture.
What You Need:
Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business Management, or related field (MBA a plus)
Minimum 7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing or related industry
At least 5 years in a leadership/management role within automotive manufacturing
Experience in OEM assembly operations is preferred
Experience in automated assembly required, preferably involving larger, more complex products
Start-up or large expansion experience highly preferred
Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
Prior experience working with Japanese automotive companies highly preferred
Strong background in plant operations, production efficiency, and workforce management
Familiarity with ERP systems and standard manufacturing software
Ability to travel domestically and internationally (including Japan)
What You Will Do:
Oversee day-to-day operations of a new vehicle assembly plant, with future expansion into welding and painting
Drive plant production goals, quality standards, and on-time delivery
Ensure full compliance with safety regulations and company policies
Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma strategies
Hire, train, and develop a high-performing production team from the ground up
Coordinate with global supply chain teams and corporate stakeholders in the U.S. and Japan
Manage plant budgets and implement cost control measures
Report performance metrics and updates to executive leadership, including Japanese partners
Develop long-term operational strategies aligned with company goals
About the Facility:
Isuzu North America Corporation is investing approximately $280 million to establish a new production facility in Greenville County, South Carolina. This 1 million-square-foot, state-of-the-art plantset on over 200 acreswill feature a flexible production line capable of manufacturing both internal combustion and electric vehicles. Production will include the N-Series Gas, N-Series Electric, and F-Series Diesel trucks, with a targeted capacity of up to 50,000 units annually by 2030. Operations are expected to launch in 2027, with expansion slated for 2028. The facilitys strategic location near I-85, I-26, and the Port of Charleston will support streamlined logistics and consolidated operations under one roof. The initiative is projected to create over 700 new jobs in the area.
Compensation & Benefits:
Why Join:
Lead a greenfield startup operation for a global automotive leader
Shape the culture and processes of a new plant from the ground up
Collaborate with global partners like Volvo, GM, and Cummins
Be part of a dominant and growing company in the light commercial truck segment
Join a major investment project bringing over 700 jobs to South Carolina
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