Area Manager General Assembly Artisan Innovation Center - Warren MI

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Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site" at the location detailed in the job post.

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 GA Area Manager in the GAIC Vehicle plant in Warren, MI, you will lead our General Assembly organization located in Warren, MI - driving performance, expanding capability and shaping the culture of a highly skilled, highly technical organization that supports GM Engineering and GM Manufacturing.


Operational Excellence & Business Performance
· Develop and drive a safety-first culture throughout GA through SOT, SOP, Employee concern response, WPO compliance, Safety policy compliance, etc.

· Lead strategic operational planning and day‑to‑day operations across all of the General Assembly related operations at the Warren site.

· Delivery on all key performance metrics while ensuring safety, quality, schedule attainment, 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.

· Own and manage the GA L3/4/5 BPD, GMS and BIQ standards across GA operations.


Strategic Leadership & Capability Growth
· Support long‑term capital planning, future work capacity analysis, estimate manpower and future facility needs backed by business-case development.

· Ensure all GA systems, processes, teams and equipment meet GAIC’s high standards of operational readiness.

· Drive enterprise alignment by partnering cross‑functionally with Program management, ME, Maintenance, GAIC Body, Electrical, PE teams, etc.

· Provide operational and technical leadership across the GA disciplines of pre-trim, trim, chassis, final, repair, sub-systems, fluids, quality and electrical.


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.

· Host and support outside and internal GM tours throughout GA .

 

Skills & Qualifications

Required
· 5 years or more of experience in manufacturing operations

· 3 years or more of experience leading salaried organizations.

· Launch experience in ME and/or MO.

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

· Solid technical background across GA manufacturing processes (i.e. Torque, Assembly, Quality, Repair, etc.).

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

· Ability to work onsite 5+ days per week and respond to urgent operational needs whenever they may occur.


Preferred
· 7 years or more of technical/manufacturing experience in different plants.

· 3 years of focused General Assembly experience

· Demonstrated experience driving cultural transformation and business expansion.

· Strong background in operational management.

· Experience partnering closely with UAW leadership and skilled trades.

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

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

· Master’s Degree preferred.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.

The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.

The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be either a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required export control authorization