Assistant Plant Manager

We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

Ford of Canada’s operations include a national headquarters, three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, three parts distribution centres, and three Connectivity and Innovation centers. Ford employs approximately 6,500 people in Canada, while an additional 20,000 people are employed in the approximately 430 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country. For more information on Ford Careers, please visit

At Ford of Canada, we are dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and selling high-quality vehicles that meet the diverse needs of our customers. We believe our employees and the different perspectives that they bring to the business are the driving force behind our success. Come discover a company that is focused on the quality of our vehicles, the environment, the community, and the world in which we live. We don’t just build vehicles; we craft the essential tools that empower businesses and individuals across the globe.

Ford was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress. As we look to the future and the changing needs of society, we are committed to becoming the world’s most trusted mobility company – delivering smart vehicles for a smart world. Join our team as we create tomorrow! We believe in putting people first, working together, and facing challenges head-on. Join us at the Windsor Engine Plant/Essex Engine Plant in creating vehicles that keep the world moving and forge a career defined by meaningful impact and innovation.

The Assistant Plant Manager is the “COO” across the Windsor Operations Site (Windsor Engine Plant and Essex Engine Plant) and has holistic understanding of manufacturing and business operations, taking full accountability of plant operations and culture aligned with Ford’s leadership core values of Excellence, Focus, and Collaboration and a servant leadership mentality. What you’ll be able to do In addition to the domain expertise required (business, data and technical acumen along with manufacturing proficiency), the Assistant Plant Manager will demonstrate Ford's Operating System and Servant Leadership capabilities.

What You'll Do...

Excellence

• Leverage data and insights to drive lean improvements that deliver on cost and quality targets.
• Continually seek opportunities to improve processes and outcomes, leveraging KPIs and the PDCA model
• Hold self and others accountable for excellence and adherence to operational and behavioral expectations
• Effectively collaborate with Area Managers, Process Coaches and Hourly Employees
• Develop “leaders as teachers” and prioritizes ongoing development and evaluation of employee performance to drive results.
• Lead implementation of the Ford Production System aligned with lean principles and behaviors.
• Lead transformation and change management efforts to advance the company’s competitiveness.
• Elevate concerns/risks and recognizes achievements

Focus

• Serve as partner to Plant Manager and change agent driving results and leveraging relationships to get things done
• Establish and operationalize a local vision and mission through clear goal-setting and communication
• Ensure operational stability by implementing disciplined processes and standards, meeting jobs per hour, rolled -throughput-yield, quality, and other key metrics.
• Strong problem solver who can lead effectively under pressure and crisis manage when necessary.
• Manage costs and resources responsibly and for the betterment of the plant

Collaboration

• Has self-awareness and a deep understanding of employee's aspirations, strengths, and well-being, evidenced by employee engagement scores, regular check-ins, and time spent on the plant floor (80%).
• Partner with Plant Manager to build a positive and inclusive culture by leveraging diverse viewpoints and mutual respect.
• Foster collaboration on best practices, standardized work, and building networks across functional areas.
• Build strong relationships with employees, Employee Resource Groups, the union, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Consistently demonstrate empathy and Gemba, engaging regularly with employees on the plant floor to listen and problem solve.
• Role model authenticity and inspires through charismatic communication and leading by example
• Bring a high level of energy and effort to all tasks

You'll Have...

The minimum requirements we seek

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in an automotive manufacturing, engineering or technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive responsibilities and experience in operations leadership.
• Extensive experience in high-volume, complex, manufacturing environments.
• Expertise in lean, kaizen and operational excellence is a must.
• Basic understanding of managing a Profit and Loss statement, demonstrating strong financial acumen.
• Experience successfully leading a manufacturing function and directly overseeing 50+ hourly employees at once.
• Demonstrated track record of building trust and rapport with employees and stakeholders and creating positive and healthy cultures.
• Aspiration for continued career growth and new challenges.

Must be open to relocation

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our team.

Our focus is to build the best team. If you think you can bring value to Ford, love to collaborate, prioritize and aim to deliver excellence in everything you do, we encourage you to apply!

Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of degree completion for the highest level of education attained. If the degree was obtained from a school outside of Canada, an Education Credential Assessment report showing Canadian equivalency is also required.

We thank all candidates for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ford of Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a culturally diverse workforce. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment processes, where needed, are available upon request. Please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.

Candidates for this position must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, does not sponsor work permit applications.